Feathers are a common sight at Native Powwow’s. Women dance with beautifully decorated fans made from long wing or tail feathers. Sometimes, vendors and dancers can be seen smudging with either a single, or a fan, of feathers from a variety of birds.
The fan we have featured here today is a bit different from fans most commonly seen. Each feather has been separately attached to the main handle so it can swing freely. While not made for smudging, this type of fan is often used in blessings,prayers, and dancing.