Talking Feathers
When many of the indigenous
peoples of North America gathered for tribal council meetings, they
held discussions in an open forum. A special object
that was present and commanded great respect was the Talking Feather.
A Talking Feather was passed from one person to the next allowing each
person
who held it to speak uninterrupted. In this way, all present were
given a chance to speak.
Many believed that all winged creatures that flew above were messengers
that would take thoughts and prayers to and from the Great Spirit. Feathers
from birds were treated with reverence and were coveted by all.
A
Brief Description Of The Materials Used
To Make Our Talking Feathers
Our Talking Feathers are handmade with turkey, parrot feathers, and other
legal bird feathers. These feathers are wrapped with deerskin and hand
beaded, or have been put in driftwood handles, keeping in mind the sacred
mission of these objects.
All of our Talking
Feathers have a leather loop in the middle of the fringe for hanging
unless
otherwise noted.
Note: The feathers
are either "pointers", which are the primary
flight feathers of a bird; or "rounds", which are the secondary
feathers. Most Talking Feathers are between 15-17 inches in length
and weigh between 1.5 and 2 ounces.
