Power and Prestige: Headdresses of the American Plains

War bonnets are an iconic image of the American West, yet the truth behind these emblematic items is more complex than the name would indicate. Going back centuries, feather headdresses played a formalized role in both war and ritual with large and subtle variants in style, use, and design. 

This exhibit explores the history and development of the Native American bonnet with a particular emphasis on the “flared” style—the most recognizable and commonly worn North American Great Plains bonnet. Headdresses, ledger art, and photographs from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum permanent collection, as well as headdresses from the Gilcrease Museum, and the Oklahoma History Center will be on display.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.