ANST - Feathers (WAS: Re: Ostrich plumes)

[Mike C. Baker]

Our learned and estimable collector of knowledge, Stefan, 
asked:

> How else were feathers used in period? 

One method in which they were used was in the creation of
symbols of rank and privilege.  In the British Isles, the 
"tugen" was a feathered cloak made of the unplucked 
but somehow preserved skins of the ducks which dwelt
upon one specific lake.  The natural feather coloration 
was blue-black, no dye was required for the feathers
themselves.

Such cloaks were restricted as the right and privilege of 
the most advanced of the bards, filidh and ollave as they 
are named in the ancient Irish forms.  However, many of
our SCA membership will have seen a recent example in 
use for dramatic purposes.  Recalling the _Merlin_ 
mini-series, think upon the cloak worn by Sam Neill's
portrayal of the eponymous character. 

While there are those who fault most aspects of modern 
theatrical works, be assured that for once they got 
something _very_ right.  The Merlin of Britain, the Taliesin
of Wales: these would certainly have been accepted as 
wearers of the tugen.

At least, such is what I have learnt in my bardic researches.

Mike C. Baker
SCA: Amr ibn Majid al-Bakri al-Amra (Steppes, Ansteorra)
"Other": Kihe Blackeagle (the Dreamsinger Bard)
My opinions are my own -- who else would want them?
e-mail: kihe at ticnet.com OR kihe at rocketmail.com


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