Headdresses have been used to symbolise power and position since the earliest recorded times.
Throughout the ages, kings and queens have had their royal heads adorned with a majestic selection of precious metals and gems to denote their blue-blooded status.
Dressing of the head may also reflect tribal affinities with the more elaborate displays being reserved for leaders.
The most familiar of these are the large, colourful feather creations worn by the North American and Canadian Indian tribes.
Here I’m going to explore headdresses from different countries.
Indian Influences
The traditional Indian headdress may seem to be just a stunning arrangement of feathers crafted by the women of a tribe. In reality it is a hard-won exhibition of bravery, loyalty and spiritual strength fashioned by male tribal members. A single feather is given to each male on reaching adulthood, but all subsequent feathers are symbolic of having displayed a specific character trait.
For the Indian warrior, a golden eagle feather would be the ultimate prize, as this magnificent, winged creature is seen as a messenger of God. The extreme honour of wearing such a feather is reserved for those who have shown the ultimate endurance of hardship, exceptional loyalty and enormous courage in the face of danger.
When travelling to India you will get to see modern-day headdresses in everyday use.
African Acclaim
In West Africa, feathered and beaded headdresses closely resemble those worn by ancient Egyptians. The ancient Amen Horus Min, which is a double-feathered crown, is an example of the flamboyance that symbolised the divinity of Egyptian gods.
Nigerian women today combine a material called Aso-Oke with feathers and beads to create headdresses that signal their spirituality. Men wear them to denote social status and wealth.
View my Africa travel guide if you would like to discover this fascinating continent.
Religious Rites
Headdresses with religious associations are the most commonly used and can be among the most elaborate.
Although it is now seldom seen in ceremony, the three-tiered papal tiara that was traditionally placed on the head of a pope at his coronation is a spectacular example of an elaborate headdress.
Studded with sapphires, rubies, emeralds and other gems, its image still appears on papal documents and insignias. The more modern use of a mitre can still produce a highly decorated, ceremonial headdress.
Most Polynesian island groups designed headdresses that set them apart from others. Feathers of the indigenous red parrot were often used in elaborate displays that denoted chieftainship.
On a global scale, feathers, beads and gemstones are often used purely to create headdresses that signify a celebration of life and the joy of living.
Are you keen to visit new countries and learn more about other cultures? View my travel guides to get started. You can also view more articles on my female travel blog.
