Head Carry

Various Sizes - Matted Prints

Head Carry is a Blackfeet warrior from the late 1800's. His synthesis of European and Native American clothing was quite common on the Plains at the turn of the century. So, not only is he dressed in a striped band collar shirt, he also wears elaborately beaded gauntlets designed with a floral motif that actually extend to his elbows. Above his elbows are beaded buckskin armbands, and around his neck is a loop bead necklace, a common element of apparel for Blackfeet and Crow men.

Crowning this ceremonial outfit is the split-horn headdress. A well known traditional headdress from the plains tribes, this bison horn bonnet's cap is covered in ermine or white weasel strips and iridescent green mallard duck scalp feathers. The horns are highly polished and wrapped with more ermine fur, dangling with ribbons and glass beads. Such headdresses were charged with the powerful medicine of the buffalo used to make it and were believed to have protective powers. They were usually worn by members of a warrior society. A young man earned his membership in such a society by performing deeds of skill and bravery, such as counting coup upon an enemy (touching a live opponent with your body, lance, or coup stick) or stealing horses.

The deed of bravery that this young warrior executed might be the explanation behind his peculiar name. One could only guess at the grisly circumstances surrounding the reason he was called Head Carry.

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