Today is Native American Day. To celebrate, we take a look at California’s Native Americans.
HEADDRESS
Ceremonial headdresses were worn during dances, according to specific cultural protocols and ceremonial practices that were unique to each tribal community. The materials used to create the headdresses have deep spiritual significance.
Jump Dance Headdress
Historically worn during the Jump Dance by three Northwest tribes, the Yurok, Hupa and Karok. Last year, the Yurok brought this dance back for the first time since the 1800s, when the U.S. outlawed the ceremony as part of a federal effort to forcibly colonize the remaining Indian Territory in the Northwest.
Sources: California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, “Native American Clothing: An Illustrated History” by Ted J. Brasser, “Encyclopedia of American Indian Costume” by Josephine Paterek, “Handbook of the Indians of California” by A.L. Kroeber, “The Natural World of the California Indians” by Robert F. Heizer, California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, A.W. Ericson.