Bustle (regalia) facts for kids
The Native American bustle is a special part of a man's traditional clothing, called regalia, worn during dance events like a wachipi (which is also known as a pow wow). It first came from the Great Plains region of the United States.
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What is a Native American Bustle?
A Native American bustle is a beautiful and important part of the clothing worn by men during special dance performances and gatherings called pow wows. These events are a way for Native American communities to celebrate their culture, traditions, and heritage through dance, music, and storytelling. The bustle is usually worn on the back.
Materials Used for Bustles
Today, men's bustles are often made from a string of eagle or hawk feathers. These feathers are carefully attached to a backboard.
Why are Eagle and Hawk Feathers Special?
Eagle and hawk feathers are considered very sacred and important religious objects to many Native American people. Because they are so special, owning eagle and hawk feathers is protected by a rule called the eagle feather law (50 CFR 22). This law helps make sure these sacred items are respected and used properly.
Different Kinds of Bustles
There are a few different types of bustles.
- The modern bustle is often shaped like a "U".
- The traditional bustle, sometimes called an "old-style" bustle, is usually circular.
How Dancers Choose Their Bustle
The type of dance a person performs usually decides which kind of bustle they wear, and sometimes how many.
- A typical traditional dancer usually wears just one bustle.
- Fancy dancers often wear two bustles. One is attached to a belt around their waist, above their backside. The other is attached to a harness on their back.
