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Chief's kasto:wíhe' at the Shako:wi Cultural Center

Story Created: Aug 15, 2008 at 9:17 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 28, 2008 at 3:29 PM EST

This is an example of the kasto:wíhe' (or kostoweh), the traditional headdress of the Iroquois. An ash splint frame suspends the cap, decorated by turkey feathers. The deer horns mounted indicate that the wearer would be a chief. The expression "de-horning" for removal of a chief from office is a literal one, as the kasto:wíhe' is taken from him. This kasto:wíhe' was made by Ray Elm.

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