Peyote Fan
CulturePlains
Dateca. 1910
MediumEagle feathers, glass beads, native leather, pigment, brass wire, commercial sterling silver cross, heart and anchor pendants, and commercial enameled pin
DimensionsOverall: 28 inches (71.12 cm)
Credit LineGift of Robert Blommer
Object number2003.30.2
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 208
Collections
DescriptionFeather fan comprised of nine large eagle feathers, one with cut edges and beaded shaft, attached to beaded handle with twisted hide fringe at base. Cluster of eagle feathers loosely attached to beaded handle with twisted leather fringe at base; beaded feather shaft with various suspensions attached to shaft and fringe.Gallery LabelToday as always, feathers are associated with spirituality and beauty in Native American thought. This eagle feather fan, and the others nearby were created for use in the Native American Church, sometimes called the Peyote Religion because of the plant's use as a holy sacrament. It is evocative of the complex bird symbolism associated with the Church's doctrine. Here, as with most Peyote fans, the maker has amplified the natural splendor of the feathers with the addition of beadwork, feather trimming and various suspensions and attachments symbolic of the Church.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
