Tuscaroran

I'm looking for anyone who knows about the construction of Dog Soldier Headdresses. They're really starting to become popular here in the southeast, and not too many people know anything about them.

If anyone knows of any traders who carry kits, let me know!!!

Robert Laughing Owl

first what are you talking about by a dog soldier head dress? And secondly are you a dog soldier? They still exist ya know.

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Robert Laughing Owl
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LI Native

Yes, they have become popular throughout the east recently, but many western nations object to people wearing them because of their significance in these tribes. I do have some friends that wear them though, so I'll check in on it. As I recall, they are not too difficult to make.

RW

Howdy! I wear one, but up here they are called feather hats(looks the same, but different feathers). I think that the construction and feathers one uses is important. I made mine from Hawks,Ospreys and Eagle. There are Owl and Vulture in it too. I was told that I had earned the right to wear this style of hat while danceing becuz I have been doin such great things for a person of my age along with my teaching of the young and somtimes even older folks in my comunity and as a Young "warrior" for the People. I had to talk with a few elders in my area about it though, before I was to wear it. I have never known anyone who has ever had a problem with me wearing it when I dance. I think if a person made his hat out of magpie feathers and put them together in the fashion of the Dog soldier hat a person would maybe confront that person on his reason or right to wear it. My advise would be to make sure you use different feathers. I am known in my comunity and Folks know I have the right to wear my Feather Hat. I dont know to much about the Dog soldier Hats though. I think they are made of Magpie and have a certain kind of Down and color of hair onthe tips of the feathers that have significence in that society.
I Know that each feather in my Hat has a story to it, and an acomplishment.

Take care.
Rich

tipis

And, if all the above does not deter you, go to the Whispering wind sight and look at thier back issues. They have two issues that went into some detail on how to make this feathered "object". Do not remember the issues now or I would give them to you. Will try to look them up. Email me privatly and I maybe able to help you further.


tipis

Robert Laughing Owl

are there any cheyenne here? I have some cheyenne family that often complain about the use of it by people oustide of the dog soldier society....which was a cheyenne warrior society. this might be something to check into before making one..especially if your gonna dance in cheyenne country.

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Robert Laughing Owl
SC-AIM
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Tvskekee

My little brother is 1/2 Northern Cheyenne, Ill ask him and let you know what he says, His father is Eugene Blackbear III, very traditional Cheyenne family. Ill post soon

Louis Garcia

The Dakota / Lakota had the Mawatani (Mandan)Society which used owl feathers.
The Hidatsa used magpie feathers as in the famous Bodmer painting.

LI Native

Sorry for the long delay - actually I just started my own mop and to be honest, it looks terrible. Hopefully it will fill out as I go along.

N E way, get an old ball cap (fitted is best)cut off the bill, and start sewing on your feathers (wrapped with a small leather tab on the quill) in a circular pattern from the top button downward. Its easy, just time consuming and it gets progressively harder with the more feathers you add. You can add tie string and ermine skins if you wish when you finish.

Let us know how it comes out, hopefully better than mine!

RW

LI Native, did you sew them so the loop is vertical? the best way to sew them so they lay right is in lines. start at the bottom and work up in lines. Other wise the feathers will lay flat and look droopy. Just my two cents..let me know if that helps.
Take care.
Rich

RandyE

One of the best looking mop tops I've seen had the feathers mounted in a 22 bullet shell and the the shell was sewn to the hat. At first I thought that it was a strange idea, but when you looked at it close. The feathers had good movement and it helped the feathers to stand up and not lay down too much. I may not be doing a very good job of describing it, but it did look very good.