South America, Brazil, Amazon Basin, Kayapo people, ca. 20th century CE. A magnificent ceremonial feather headdress that consists of an iridescent blue spread of macaw feathers with central red plumes. The feathers are woven into a white cotton headband in an elongated horseshoe shape with loose terminal ends, a separate strap spanning the diameter would have secured this relatively massive headdress to a child's head! This headdress was known as a meoko, used in name giving ceremonies before the child reached adolescence. It would have taken quite a number of birds to make a single headdress, and the precious macaws were likely plucked and released, and semi-domesticated birds were likely kept for this purpose. This headdress is mounted in a modern wood and glass frame as a gorgeous display piece! Size of headdress: 24" L x 18" W (61 cm x 45.7 cm); frame: 33" L x 24" W (83.8 cm x 61 cm)

Several states and countries prohibit the importation of materials from endangered species, this piece includes macaw feathers. Please check your country’s laws before bidding on this piece.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico USA collection

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#173925

Some losses and fraying to tips of feathers on left side. Some areas of staining. Overall great condition and professionally mounted in wood and glass frame and ready to display!