Regalia for the Plains Indian warior often represented brave achievement and served to entreat special spiritual protection. The wearing of eagle feathers is in the treadion of "counting coup" or being skilled enough to touch an enemy, steal his horse, or take his weapons during engagment. It was believed that the golden eagle was a special emissary possessing solar powers as it soared form the heavens to earth bringing warmth from the sun and messages for the Great Spirit. It took many long years for a warrior to earn enough feathers for a war bonnet. The exquisite beadwork honors the mystery of the ceremonial tradion. In lieu of eagle feathers, leaglly obtained turkey feathers are used in this headdress and have been hand died to look like feathers.Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation.