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Roach Spreader

Santee Dakota (Eastern Sioux)

Not on view

An animal-hair headdress called a roach required a spreader like this one to fan out the crest of hair. The cutouts on the upper section of this early example are simple abstract shapes, while those on the lower end depict two headless male figures in a dance or struggle. Originally worn by Woodlands and Plains warriors, roach headdresses and spreaders commonly appear today as a part of powwow regalia.

Roach Spreader, Elk antler, eagle bone, native tanned leather, pigment, silk ribbon, Santee Dakota (Eastern Sioux)

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