History of Feathers
Feathers, perhaps one of the more versatile materials has both aesthetic and practical purposes. Feathers have been incorporated into various cultures and hold symbolic values among societies like the Aztecs and Ancient Greeks and even appear in our pop culture as well as our fashion. But of course, birds are the ones that utilize feathers to its true potential by giving them the gift of flight, something humans achieved in 1903 with the Wright Brothers first sustained and controlled heavier-than-air powered flight.
Humans have long been using feathers for utilitarian purposes, most notably for arrows but also for garments and bedding. Feathers also allowed for the documentation of stories and history with the quill. The quill was the primary writing utensil from the 6th to the 19th century. During that 13 century time span, there were other writing utensils available from the fountain pen used in 953 by Ma'ad al-Mu'izz of Egypt to the bronze nib found in Pompeii, but actual pens were never mass produced until 1822. Ballpoint pens weren't even patented until 1888. Quills were more accessible, as it could be taken from geese or even turkeys, and an easy to make writing implement. The hollow shaft of the feather acts as a ink reservoir and the ink flows to the tip easily. Even with the introduction of metal nibs, the quill still remained popular because it provides more flexibility and a good stroke.
But it's not just in the writing world where feathers have made a difference, but in the burlesque world as well. Feather boas are considered at different times both elegant and trampy. While their original intent was to add grace to the wearer, feathers also are used for erotic and fetish play and often used by strippers, burlesque dancers and cabaret performers. Still feathers themselves are used in today's fashion from feathers jackets to a feather wedding dress that uses 2009 peacock feathers, they never cease to be useful.
Humans fascination with feathers doesn't end there and shows up in different societies with different symbolic meanings. The Aztec was the first society that introduced a feathered serpent image of Quetzlcoatl. Of course, the idea of a feathered serpent is no longer just a myth as scientists have found feathered reptiles. There has also been evidence of feathered dinosaurs! Feathers in difference cultures represent power, freedom and strength and are often incorporated into ceremonial garb.
Feathers have even affected our language and been incorporated into various idioms. While it is unclear as to when humans fascination with feathers began, its clear that to this day we still find them alluring. We've incorporated them into our daily routines using each for different purposes from cleaning to looking alluring, feathers have definitely become a stable material.