Shawano Indians 1861 - 1869

George Catlin’s painting presents us with a vision of Shawano Indians, capturing details of their attire and customs. The feathers worn in the hair of the figures carry potent symbolism, acting as emblems of status, spirituality, and connection to the natural world. The feather as a motif is not unique to the Shawano; we see it echoed across cultures and through time. From ancient Egyptian headdresses denoting divine authority to Renaissance allegories of virtues adorned with feathered wings, this emblem transcends geographical boundaries. Consider the recurring image of angels, their wings – a symbol of flight – suggesting a yearning to transcend earthly bounds. The presence of feathers taps into a deep-seated human fascination with the avian realm. This fascination suggests a collective memory of mankind’s ancient and persistent dream of conquering the skies, embedding a powerful emotional dimension in the symbol. The cyclical journey of symbols continues, with feathers recurring in ever-evolving forms, each time carrying echoes of past meanings, and accruing new significance.