Find HS Code and trade information for feather headdress

Feather Headdress

A feather headdress is a decorative headpiece traditionally worn for ceremonial and spiritual purposes by various indigenous cultures around the world. These headdresses are often symbols of status, honor, bravery, or religious affiliation, and their construction and meaning vary significantly between cultures.

Materials

The primary material, as the name suggests, is feathers. However, the specific types of feathers used are culturally significant. Common examples include:

• Eagle feathers: Highly prized in many North American cultures, representing courage, wisdom, and a direct connection to the Creator. Often legally protected due to their sacred status.
• Hawk feathers: Symbolic of vision and awareness.
• Owl feathers: Associated with wisdom and knowledge in some cultures.
• Heron feathers: Representing grace and spiritual power.
• Turkey feathers: Used for their abundance and vibrant colors.
• Other bird feathers: Depending on regional availability and cultural beliefs.

Beyond feathers, headdresses often incorporate:

• Leather: Used for the base structure, straps, and embellishments.
• Beads: Glass, shell, or stone beads add color, symbolism, and detail.
• Fur: Animal fur can be incorporated for warmth, status, or spiritual significance.
• Wood: Used for structural elements or carved decorations.
• Metal: Occasionally used for adornments or reinforcing the structure.
• Sinew: Used for stitching and binding components.

Purpose and Function

Feather headdresses serve a multitude of purposes, including:

• Religious ceremonies: Worn by shamans, medicine people, or spiritual leaders during rituals and ceremonies.
• Social status: Indicate rank, position, or achievements within a community.
• War bonnets: (Specifically within Plains cultures) Awarded to warriors for acts of bravery and leadership. Not all Plains cultures use war bonnets, and they are not universally worn.
• Dance regalia: Used in traditional dances to honor spirits, celebrate events, or tell stories.
• Coming-of-age ceremonies: Awarded to individuals upon reaching a certain level of maturity or achievement.
• Funerary rites: Used in ceremonies related to death and the afterlife.

Usage Scenarios

• Powwows: Contemporary gatherings of Native American communities where traditional dances, songs, and regalia are showcased.
• Ceremonial dances: Performed for specific occasions such as harvests, weddings, or healing rituals.
• Spiritual quests: Worn by individuals undertaking spiritual journeys or seeking guidance.
• Storytelling events: Used to represent characters or themes within traditional narratives.
• Cultural presentations: Displayed or worn during educational events or performances to share cultural heritage.

Common Types (by Cultural Region)

• Plains War Bonnets: Perhaps the most recognizable type, traditionally worn by male warriors of Plains tribes (Lakota, Cheyenne, Crow, etc.). Characterized by long, trailing eagle feathers. The number of feathers often represents accomplishments.
• Northwest Coast Raven Masks & Headdresses: Often carved from wood and adorned with feathers, representing the transformative Raven spirit. Used in potlatch ceremonies and dances. (Tlingit, Haida, Kwakwaka'wakw).
• Amazonian Feather Headdresses: Elaborate and colorful headdresses worn by indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest for ceremonies, dances, and social events. (Yanomami, Kayapo).
• Brazilian Indigenous Headdresses: Often made with vibrant macaw and other bird feathers, used in dances and ceremonies.
• Papua New Guinea Headdresses: Complex headdresses made with a variety of bird feathers, shells, and other natural materials, used in rituals and festivals.
• Aztec/Mexican Headdresses: Historically used quetzal feathers, highly symbolic and worn by priests and rulers.
• Cherokee Feather Bonnets: Traditionally worn by respected leaders and medicine people, representing honor and spiritual connection.

It is crucial to note that the meaning and use of feather headdresses are deeply rooted in the specific cultures from which they originate. Appropriation or disrespectful use of these sacred objects is considered highly offensive.

Based on the provided information, a feather headdress falls under the classification of articles made of bird feathers. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes:

• 6701003000: This HS code covers Skins and other parts of birds with their feathers or down, feathers, parts of feathers, down and articles thereof (other than goods of heading 0505 and worked quills and scapes): Articles of feathers or down. This is a broad category encompassing items directly made from feathers. The tax rate is 59.7% (4.7% basic tariff + 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025).
• 6701006000: This HS code also covers Skins and other parts of birds with their feathers or down, feathers, parts of feathers, down and articles thereof (other than goods of heading 0505 and worked quills and scapes): Other. If the feather headdress doesn't fit specifically into the "Articles of feathers or down" category, it would fall under this more general classification. The tax rate is also 59.7% (4.7% basic tariff + 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025).
• 9505906000: Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles, including magic tricks and practical joke articles; parts and accessories thereof: Other: Other. If the feather headdress is specifically used for festive or entertainment purposes, this HS code might be applicable. The tax rate is 30.0% (0.0% basic tariff + 0.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025).

It is important to determine the primary function of the feather headdress to select the most accurate HS code. If it is a decorative item made from feathers, 6701003000 or 6701006000 are the most likely options. If it is used as a prop or for entertainment, 9505906000 may be more appropriate.