Feather significance?

[midgaardserpent]

okie folks I'm about to show my TOTAL ignorance. I'm Mohawk but wasn't raised knowing the traditions and am now trying to learn all I can,
so Finally my question what is the significance of using the feather of one bird versus another? Is it simply a matter of whats available locally or certain tradition dictates what type feathers are used for what purpose?

Why do I want to know, I'm making a Drum beater from a deer Leg and using Black bear Fur for the head, I'd like to decorate with some feathers as well but not sure what type I should use. I know I can get Quail and Pheasant Feathers easily from a friend who raises birds but want t o make sure such use would not be offensive or off the norm.

nia:wen thank you very much
My Web page

[Blackbear]

You can never go wrong with turkey feathers..besides us Iroquois held the turkey in as high regard as the eagle!

[nativelohaus]

I think it would be best to ask your elders. They would probably know more than anyone here.

[midgaardserpent]

Nia:wen Thank you Blackbear for the info on the Turkey feathers. Methinks I can obtain some from a local fly tying shop.

o:nen bye for now

[midgaardserpent]

Kwe Kwe Hello Nativelohouse, when I was a kid there were many Mohawks here in Brooklyn NY espescially near the Atlantic Avenue area where my Grandparents lived but these days I've lost touch with any local folks hence my asking here. I shall email someone I know who can ask Walter Hill a 76 year young Mohawk Elder who's local to him for guidance in this.

Nia:wen Thank you
o:nen bye

[Laitlaitinen]

If your trying to find a typ of feather to use, you need to find out what bird your tribe used, and didnt use. Tribes think certain birds mean death and bad luck.

[hopping crow]

Talk To The Elders Of The Community. There Info And Wisdom. Is Highly Recommended

[blacktail]

just some questions, and please don't think i'm criticizing because that's not my intent. i've never heard of a drum beater made out of a deer leg. is this for a hand drum because a leg is quite short? using the leg, make sure you clean all the marrow out because all the oil in there over time will leak out, staining the head and handle. if this is for a hand drum, might i suggest a wooden handle of maple or ash branch. dowel rods work ok. if it's going to have fringe, i recommend tying the feathers there. any higher and it will ruin the feather. blackbear is right about the turkey feathers. good luck.

[redstone_on_warpath]

okie folks I'm about to show my TOTAL ignorance. I'm Mohawk but wasn't raised knowing the traditions and am now trying to learn all I can,
so Finally my question what is the significance of using the feather of one bird versus another? Is it simply a matter of whats available locally or certain tradition dictates what type feathers are used for what purpose?

Why do I want to know, I'm making a Drum beater from a deer Leg and using Black bear Fur for the head, I'd like to decorate with some feathers as well but not sure what type I should use. I know I can get Quail and Pheasant Feathers easily from a friend who raises birds but want t o make sure such use would not be offensive or off the norm.

nia:wen thank you very much
My Web page

well i think it really doesnt matter whay kind of feather u use as long is is a respected feather and it may as well be a painted feather it your peice of art work i like the idea of using the deer legbone plus i like the idea of blk bear fur at the head (I wish i had blk bear fur to make items with) yes your elder will tell you all kinds of good information