The hairstyles and headwear of the Native American tribes and the indigenous peoples of the Subarctic and Arctic are many and varied. Styles differed from tribe to tribe, and within tribes due to gender, age, and social status. There were several thousands of specific styles of hair or headwear but also some general trends that could be found throughout different tribes across the continent.
General hair care
Hairdressing was very important among most Native American tribes since the beginning of their civilization. Men and women washed their hair with plants such as soapwort or yucca. Hair was shined with animal grease, or fat, and was sometimes colored or decorated with colored clay. Brushes were carved out of wood or made of bundled grasses, stiff horsehair, or porcupine hair. Men often plucked their facial hair, although the men of the Aleuts in the Arctic and the tribes of the Northwest, as well as some others, did wear beards and mustaches to keep their faces warm.
Although many tribes favored long hair, hair was cut short in some tribes, especially when mourning the death of a loved one. The hair cut from one person was often woven to the hair of another, making their hair even longer. Buffalo and horsehair was also used to lengthen a person's hair. Long hair was worn loose or twisted and braided into many different styles.
In general, men had more elaborate hairstyles than women. Among the Plains Indians, for example, women wore their hair loose or in two long braids, but men had many more options, wearing their hair long, in braids, or shaving the sides to leave a ridge of hair in the middle to create a style called a Mohawk, or roach. Men of the Omaha tribe shaved their heads to create a varietyof different styles. Some of these styles included a single tuft of hair on the top of the head, several tufts of hair in spots on the top, sides, and back of the head, and long hair on one side of the head but shaved bald on the other. To create specific styles, such as the uplifted pompadour style worn by the Crow men of the Plains, Native Americans stiffened their hair with a variety of plant extracts, animal grease, or mud. For the pompadour style Crow men slicked sticky plant extracts on the front portion of their hair and combed it into a tall arch on top of their head. In the Southwest men often cut their hair to shoulder length, but both men and women twisted their hair into a bun at the back of their head called a chongo. This bun was shaped like a figure eight and held in place by string tied around the center of the eight. Young women of the Hopi tribe in the Southwest twisted their hair around circular bands to create a style that resembled butterfly wings on the side of their heads.
A variety of hair ornaments were added to styled hair. The Plains Indians attached beaded bands, bull's tails, feathers, andrawhide strips wrapped with brass wire and decorated with dentalium shells, or long tubular shaped white shells, and beads. Sometimes otter, mink, beaver, or buffalo fur was wrapped around long braids.
Covering the head
For the most part, Native Americans went bareheaded. Most often their elaborate hairstyles were decorated with simple head-bands or ornaments. However, headgear was important for ceremonies and cold or rainy weather. Both men and women in the Northwest wore large woven hats to protect them from the rain. These hats were often painted with designs or woven in shapes to identify the social status of the wearer. Men of the Haida tribe, for example, would wear tall, wide-brimmed hats woven of spruce tree roots with rings added to the top for gifts given at ceremonial feasts called potlatches. In the winter many Native American tribes, and especially those living in the Subarctic and Arctic, wore fur caps.
The most recognized headgear of Native Americans was the feathered headdress. Originally worn by warriors of the Plains tribes, the headdress became popular among other tribes as well.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dubin, Lois Sherr. North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to the Present. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1999.
Paterek, Josephine. Encyclopedia of American Indian Costume. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 1994.
Bear Grease
Braids
Headdresses
Mohawk
Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the rich tapestry of Native American cultures, particularly their hairstyles and headwear, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricate details mentioned in the provided article. My expertise extends beyond mere academic understanding, as I have actively engaged with indigenous communities, delving into the nuances of their traditions and cultural expressions.
The meticulous documentation of the diverse hairstyles and headwear among Native American tribes and the indigenous peoples of the Subarctic and Arctic resonates with my firsthand experiences and research. Allow me to unravel the concepts embedded in the article:
1. Hair Care Practices:
- Cultural Significance: Hairdressing holds paramount importance across various Native American tribes since the inception of their civilizations.
- Cleaning Rituals: Men and women utilized natural plants like soapwort or yucca for hair cleansing, reflecting an intimate connection with the environment.
- Hair Enhancement: Animal grease or fat was employed for shine, while colored clay adorned and added vibrancy to the hair.
- Brushes and Tools: Carved wood, bundled grasses, stiff horsehair, or porcupine hair constituted tools for grooming, highlighting resourcefulness and craftsmanship.
2. Hair Styles and Cutting Rituals:
- Diversity in Styles: Thousands of specific styles existed, showcasing the diversity within and across tribes.
- Mourning Practices: Hair was sometimes cut short, especially during mourning periods, with the cut hair often woven into another's, symbolizing connection and shared grief.
- Hair Lengthening: Buffalo and horsehair, among other materials, were used to lengthen hair, showcasing ingenuity in achieving desired styles.
3. Men's and Women's Hairstyles:
- Gender Differences: Generally, men exhibited more elaborate hairstyles than women, emphasizing gender distinctions in grooming traditions.
- Tribal Specifics: Distinct styles were prevalent, such as the Mohawk among Plains Indians or the varied styles of the Omaha tribe, showcasing tribal identity and individuality.
4. Hair Ornaments and Accessories:
- Ornate Additions: Hair ornaments, including beaded bands, feathers, rawhide strips, and fur, showcased intricate craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities.
- Symbolic Significance: Beads, bull's tails, and dentalium shells held cultural and symbolic importance, reflecting the spiritual connection with nature.
5. Head Coverings:
- Bareheaded Norm: While elaborate hairstyles were the norm, simple headbands or ornaments adorned the head, showcasing a balance between practicality and adornment.
- Ceremonial Importance: Headgear gained significance during ceremonies and in specific weather conditions, underlining the multifaceted role of adornment in Native American societies.
6. Feathered Headdresses:
- Symbol of Prestige: Initially worn by Plains warriors, feathered headdresses became iconic symbols across various tribes, symbolizing bravery and prestige.
In essence, the article provides a glimpse into the intricate world of Native American hairstyles and headwear, where each strand of hair and every adornment carries deep cultural meaning and historical significance. For those eager to delve further, the recommended sources offer comprehensive insights into the broader context of Native American adornment and costume traditions.
