Double Trailer Headdress

Double trailer headdress by Jeff Griggs. The typical double trailer war bonnet is an iconic emblem of Native American culture. These bonnets were featured being worn by performing Native Americans in the Wild West Shows throughout North American and Europe. They were commonly recognizable due to the popularity of the Wild West Shows promoted by Buffalo Bill Cody. The precursor to the double trailer bonnet was the single trailer bonnet dating back to 1850 and earlier. At those times, the war bonnets were composed of three sets of golden eagle tail feathers laced to a brain-tan buffalo crown with beaded brow band attached across the forehead. Ermine tubes at the temples and ermine fringe applied to the back of the crown were very typical. Every feather in the early days was awarded to warriors having accomplished many acts of bravery and heroism. Most of the reservation era double trailer headdresses like this one were worn during inter-tribal parades after all the Indian Wars were over. Any Native American could be seen wearing war bonnets like this afer the Wild West Shows. Headdress 16"H, Overall 6' Feet