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Native Americans and the Bald Eagle
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The Bald Eagle is the only bird sacred
to all North American tribes. |
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Native Americans admire eagles for
their courage, hunting prowess, impressive size,
solitary dignity, and the beauty, height and power
of their flight. |
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One belief is that the eagle’s
ability to fly higher than any other bird allows
it to enter heaven through a hole in the sky –
this gives the eagle sacred power. |
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Eagle feathers are an important part
of ceremonial dress. While the most recognizable
use is for headdresses, the feathers are also used
to decorate ritual pipes, musical instruments, and
warrior shields. |
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Other ceremonial uses include whistles
made from eagle bones, and eagle-wing fans carried
in religious ceremonies. |
Back to Bald Eagle
Facts
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