Analysis of remains recovered from three locations in Burial 57, Etowah, yielded evidence of red and gold plumules and downy barbule feathers of the Anseriformes order, Anatidae family (swan, geese, ducks) which may have been dyed. Further examination revealed layers of red and gold feathers separated by dark brown areas composed of yarns. The fragile condition inhibited efforts to identify conclusively the relation of yarns and feathers. The results of analysis were compared to the ethnohistoric record and other archaeological data confirming feather-faced fabric usage by early populations in North America.
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