Ornamental apron

South America, Ecuador

This feathered ornamental apron was worn by eastern Jivaro, Candoshi and Achuar men in Ecuador and Peru.

It reveals a fascination with the world of birds and a concern for appearances.

A person who wears bird feathers is believed to take on the qualities of birds. The bright-colored macaw feathers on this apron remind us that macaw parrots form lasting couples that take good care of their young, which makes them model parents. The white and black eagle feathers are there to remind us that eagles have no qualms about attacking other creatures to defend their families.

Wearing this kind of ornament was a way of showing others what kind of man you were.

Look again at all the artifacts in this website.

  • What different words come to mind after you've taken a second look?
  • What features do all these artifacts have in common?
  • What aspects of nature are represented on all these different artifacts? 
  • Why, in your opinion, did humanity make them?