Little Kootenai Dancer

These are the clothes of a little Traditional Dancer which his parents worked long hours to make for him. Children were encouraged to learn to dance at a young age. He wears a breechcloth, vest, moccasins and a feather bustle. His eyes can hardly be seen under the eagle and hawk feathers of this dog-soldier headdress. Because of their relationship and dependence on nature, dancers honor the spirits of the animals that are part of their dance clothes. They treat their clothes with respect and care.