Plain’s Indian Hair Whip, or Extension

Plains, maybe central such as Cheyenne, Kiowa or Arapahoe

Last half 19th Century | Item 2230

This is a rare and early accessory for the Native, male horseback rider – a hair extension or often called a hair whip. It would be tied onto one’s existing hair such that the upper, red, quilled portion would stick up while the rest of the piece would flow with the wind serving to show off the rider.

The most upper portion has red quill wrapped around strips of hide that is then wrapped around a light weight stick. At the very top is hide that is wrapped with red and clear glass beads with hide fringe. At the base of the upper red portion are very fine hair ties like small bundles with even finer hide strips wrapped with red quill. Most of this quill has worn off. The tips of these hide pieces widens to a small spatula shape. From here a group of hide strips wrapped with blue quill hang down about 7″ ending with tin cones. At the same time, a whole series of horse braided hair drops – 14 total – hang down for the longest length, a total of 20″ plus.