Woman wearing hat with black and red feathers, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small print from Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company showcases a woman adorned with a hat featuring black and red feathers, a fashion statement emblematic of late 19th-century elegance. Consider the plume: throughout history, feathers have symbolized status, power, and even divinity. Think of ancient Egyptian headdresses, or the feathered crowns of indigenous American leaders. Here, the vibrant plumes denote sophistication, yet they also echo primal displays of dominance and allure found in the natural world. Interestingly, the use of feathers as adornment transcends mere fashion. It taps into a collective memory, a subconscious association with the animal kingdom. The visceral connection with nature, the yearning for freedom, or the celebration of beauty becomes intertwined with the wearer’s persona. It is an echo of nature's sublimity. The cyclical progression of the plume is non-linear; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.