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Fireman's fan for Native American Church services / Unknown

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Essay/Description

(a) An Osage "Big Moon" (Native American Church) Fireman's fan (i.e. used in the work of the Fireman, a ritual duty in Big Moon Peyotism) composed of two eagle tail feathers (dyed gold). The two eagle feathers are trimmed with small red and blue dyed feathers. The quills of the two eagle feathers are beaded in net (gourd) stitch (black, blue, turquoise, red on white field). Handle is also beaded in this manner. The handle ends in twisted 2 ply fringe. To one fringe is attached a silver Christian medal. (b) A rectangle of lavender print cloth which is used to wrap and protect the fan.

Curatorial Remarks

Beaded feather fan, used for purification during peyote ceremony.

Tags: fan, Peyote
People: Osage
Places: Southern Plains, Oklahoma
Purpose: ceremonial use

From interviews with Dr. Garrick Bailey, 2018-2020 University of Tulsa, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology

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©Gilcrease Museum
Title(s): 
Fireman's fan for Native American Church services
Creator(s): 
Unknown
Culture: 
Native American; Osage
Date: 
mid-20th century
Place: 
Oklahoma
Materials/Techniques: 
feathers (eagle), wood, hide, metal, glass, cotton
Classification: 
Ethnographic Objects
Object Type: 
Fan
Credit Line: 
Purchased with funds provided by the Frankie Van Johnson Acquisitions Fund
Accession No: 
84.2959a-b
Previous Number(s): 
TL1997.97
Department: 
Anthropology
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