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Native American Church loose feather fan / Nelson Eddie Big Bow

Essay/Description

Mexican eagle feather loos fan of 12 feathers tightly tied "flat". Base of feathers are wrapped with dyed hackles in green, red, white, and black. The ribbon is black, red, white, silver. The extensions are wrapped in white buckskin. The fan is one piece; the handle does not remove. The handle is beaded in gourd stitch in cut and seed beads in red, yellow, maroon, white, navy, orange, and green on a blue background. 11 2-ply twisted fringes of white buckskin attach at the base of the handle.

Curatorial Remarks

This is a stiff fan, not loose feather fan. Stiff fans were used during dances to cool the individual off.

Tags: Native American Church, peyote fan, red, green, white, ribbon, beaded handle, leather fringe, glass beads
People: Kiowa, Nelson Big Bow, Rod Pistokcha, Harding Big Bow
Places: Oklahoma
Purpose: peyote meeting

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

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Title(s): 
Native American Church loose feather fan
Creator(s): 
Nelson Eddie Big Bow (Artist)
Rod Pistokcha (Artist)
Harding Big Bow (Used by)
Culture: 
Native American; Kiowa (artist), Choctaw (artist)
Date: 
1950 - 1995
Materials/Techniques: 
feathers, leather, glass, wood, fabric, ribbon
Object Type: 
Credit Line: 
Gift of Pearl Big Bow
Accession No: 
84.2897
Previous Number(s): 
TL1997.73.3; TL1997.73.3
Department: 
Not On View

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