Broken and clipped feathers are still usable and all feathers are cleaned and sterilized before being sent to the Pueblos. Photo credit: Barbara Heidenreich
themselves, not just their feathers, are a key part of the ceremonies of the pueblos. Traditionally, the Pueblos of the southwest United States traded with other Native Americans fromCentral and South America for the parrot feathers they needed. Anthropologists have even found evidence that the Pueblos kept parrots as early as 300AD.
Currently, however, Pueblo Indians are finding it very
difficult to obtain the feathers that they need to create a variety of ceremonial items needed for their traditional dances.Although parrot feathers are available online, they can be extremely expensive; a single macaw tail feather may range from ten dollars to more than eighty dollars (based on recent prices on EBay®). Since multiple parrot feathers are needed for each piece, it can quickly become cost prohibitive. Although the Feather Distribution Proj- ect provides the feathers free of charge, it can take a long time for the Pueblos to receive the feathers that they re- quest. Because the demand is high and the supply is lim- ited, it can take as long as 1 ½ years for the feathers to be shipped.We spent some time trying to come upwithways inwhichwe could help increase donations to the project, and consequently decrease thewaiting time for Pueblos to receive the feathers that they need. It became clear that parrot owners could play an important role. By providing unwanted feathers parrot owners can be instrumental in making a difference for the Pueblo Indians.
After a quick detour to Tent Rock National Monument,
we headed south back towardsAlbuquerque tomeetwith Sam Montoya of the Sandia Pueblo. Sam welcomed us
They sent us each home with a beautiful pot made by members of the Acoma Peublo. Photo credit: Barbara Heidenreich
into his home, and we spent several hours with him and his wife, Mary. They showed us their amazing collection of pottery, and at the end of our visit, they sent each of us home with a beautiful pot made by members of the Acoma Pueblo.Whilewewere there, Samshowed us sev- eral ceremonial items made with parrot feathers. He stressed that every feather is precious to them, and ex- plained how he is even able to work with broken or clipped feathers. I was overwhelmed by their hospitality, and by their willingness to spend so much time with a group of strangers. It was clear to me how grateful they are to receive feathers from the project, and how critical it is for themto be able to continue traditions that are cen- turies old.
I am incredibly grateful to Lee, Sam, andMary for wel-
coming us into their homes, and for helping to explain just how important the Feather Distribution Project is to them.When I originally asked ifwe could visit both Pueb- los, I felt as though I was asking for a very large favor. However, it was clear that they feel as though it us who are doing them the favor, by helping to supply them with feathers. I was touched by their gratitude, and am happy to be able to participate in a project thatmakes such a dif- ference to so many people.
I wanted to share this experience because I feel that it’s
important for all of us to remember how lucky we are to live with such amazing birds every day.When the Pueblo Indians incorporate parrot feathers into their ceremonial pieces, they are also including some of the spirit of that in-
20 Good Bird Magazine
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