Feathers holders such as these would have each accompanied a roach spreader - a hair ornament that was particularly popular in the Eastern Plains - while securing a feather. They were typically affixed to the base of a roach spreader and fastened with leather thongs.

These hollowed out bone or antlers are decorated with a program of motifs, including: “U”s, which denote horse steals; as well as crosses, which are possibly cosmological. The feather holders are stained with vermillion pigment.

1.75” tall (each)

Collected at the Upper Sioux Agency, Granite Falls, MN; ex Larry Levin, MN.

#51183