The fact that mummies have been found all over the world wearing hats
certainly attests to the importance of headgear in virtually all human
cultures. Headdress is in fact the most universally important part of
costume, worn even when body apparel is dispensed with, as the
appearance of the aborigines abundantly proves. Head attire in both
sexes have from prehistoric times served to establish the individual’s
rank or position in society, to impress the lowly and to challenge the
enemy.
Like many ancient people, the Incas of South America buried various items of importance with the dead. This little boy was buried with, among other things, a silver statue with a cap made of parrot feathers. He also is wearing a feather headdress.