Giving more meaning to the adage that, "One person's trash is another's treasure," is the Feather Distribution Project, founded and, so far, directed by Jonathan Reyman. As bird keepers we have all cleaned up fallen feathers, which probably found their way to the trash. But some people value these feathers for use in religious/ceremonial dress. After learning about the work of the Feather Distribution Project, picking up and collecting those feathers took on new meaning.
 | Dr. Reyman has spoken at a regular meeting of the Gateway Parrot Club and at our annual All American Hookbill Fair, presenting photographs and background information on the Feather Distribution Project, Native American culture in the southwestern United States and the role birds have played in the mythology and customs of these peoples. From a practical perspective, of interest to those concerned with the well being of avian species, there is a darker side to the "feather trade." Supplying feathers, free of charge, helps reduce commercial pressure on wild birds. This page explains much of these issues and appeared in the Anthropology News, May 2003 issue. The picture in the middle of the article, appears in the printed article, and has been on our site since Dr. Reyman spoke to us in 2002. |
Here are some pictures of ceremonial objects made from collected feathers. On a lighter note, follow this link to a picture of a Cow? made with feathers... |