This grouse feather fan was one of two on display at the Makah Regalia Exhibit in the Longhouse at Peninsula College. Fans have significance in Native American dance ceremonies and can be used to dispatch prayers to the heavens. They are also used in smudging or purification ceremonies to circulate purifying smoke.
Two of these beautiful fans are on exhibit with a vest displaying a Makah family design. The red shapes are the profiles of traditional Northwest dugout rowing boats. I believe the silver shapes represent whale tails.
It’s necessary to squeeze behind the display case to see the back of the vest but its distinctive design is well worth the effort.
The fan is beautiful.
These are beautiful.
What a nice display of the fans and vest. The vest is beautiful and the design is exquisite
Love the vest!