Approaches to the Conservation of Two American Indian Warbonnet Headdresses in the USA and Italy

Abstract

ABSTRACT The authors describe a comparison of the approaches taken to the conservation of two American Indian eagle feather warbonnet headdresses, one in the USA and the other in Italy. We begin with a brief exploration of the status and history of this headdress form, and go on to outline some of the differences in the standing of this Indigenous heritage in American versus Italian institutions, and how those may impact their conservation priorities. No effort is made to be comprehensive about reported conservation approaches to eagle feathers or warbonnets. Instead, the authors illustrate the influence of context, that is geography, culture, language, legal frameworks, and education, on what is considered most important in the conservation study and treatment of materially related items in two different countries. The authors conclude by reflecting upon an earlier need for consultation with Indigenous communities to establish conservation priorities.