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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Native American headdress repatriation
2. Exeter headdress return event
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum has been showcasing the ceremonial headdress known as a ‘bird bundle’ since 1920, with origins in the Blackfoot Nation of Alberta, Canada. This sacred item, featuring buffalo horns, eagle feathers, and other significant elements, was identified as such in 2013. The handover event at the museum marked a significant moment for the Siksika Nation, with Joset Melting Tallow expressing gratitude for the repatriation. The return of the headdress signifies a deep respect for cultural heritage and traditions. Through collaboration and research, the museum and Indigenous communities are ensuring the preservation and recognition of their history and practices.
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1. Indigenous cultural repatriation
2. Restitution of Native American artifacts
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, England, has been home to a sacred ceremonial headdress known as a ‘bird bundle’ since 1920. This ceremonial item has a rich history that traces back to the Blackfoot Nation of Alberta, Canada. Adorned with buffalo horns, eagle feathers, indigo bunting feathers, red-tailed hawk feathers, red trade cloth, porcupine quills, and brass bells, this headdress holds immense cultural and spiritual significance to the Blackfoot people.
**Historical Significance of the Headdress**
The ceremonial bird bundle was identified as a ‘sacred ceremonial item’ in 2013 by a delegation from the Blackfoot Nation. The handover event of this precious headdress took place on June 5 at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery. Joset Melting Tallow of the Siksika Nation expressed gratitude for the return of the ceremonial Buffalo Woman’s Headdress, emphasizing its importance in preserving cultural heritage and honoring ancestors’ traditions.
**Repatriation Efforts**
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The headdress had been held at RAMM since 1920, when it was acquired by the Museum from Lieutenant Governor Edgar Dewdney. Through meticulous research, delegates from Siksika Nation, in collaboration with Kainai and Blackfeet Nations, identified the headdress as a sacred ceremonial item worn by a holy woman of the Blackfoot Holy Buffalo Woman Society. The cultivation of a partnership with RAMM has allowed for the successful repatriation of Chief Crowfoot’s regalia in 2022 and now the Buffalo Woman’s Headdress.
**A Significant Moment in History**
In September 2022, RAMM received a formal request from the Blackfoot (Siksika) for repatriation. Julien Parsons, RAMM’s Collections & Content Manager, described the return of the ceremonial bird bundle as a significant moment in the museum’s history and its relationship with the Siksika Nation. The sacred bundle is being returned to the Motokiks for use by the holy women who have preserved their cultural continuity.
**The Blackfoot Confederacy**
The Siksika Nation is part of the Siksikaitsitapi – Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Many Chiefs), Apatohsipiikani (Northern Peigan), and Amsskapipiikani (Southern Peigan) Nations. The Siksikaitsitapi have lived in and protected a vast territory that spans from present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan to Montana, with a population of approximately 8,000 plus members.
In conclusion, the repatriation of the ceremonial bird bundle signifies a powerful acknowledgment of the Blackfoot people’s history, traditions, and cultural practices. The return of this sacred headdress to the Siksika Nation represents a significant step towards honoring and respecting Indigenous heritage and preserving cultural identity for future generations.
