The eagle feather is a sacred object, and now can only be legally owned by a Native American who is enrolled in a nationally recognized tribe.  I love the texture and contrast an eagle feather added to my painting gives it.  In researching about the legal right to own an eagle feather, I discovered a raging controversy over the feather and it’s ownership that I hadn’t fully heard about.  I knew it was a huge fine to own one:  up to $25,000.00!  I didn’t know there was a movement to change the regulation.  You can read more, as I did at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_feather_law

Now, I know that Wikipedia isn’t the  most reliable of sources to cite, HOWEVER, there are additional links from there to delve into the legalese farther.  For me: I know they are beautiful, and I am proud to use them to symbolize the majesty which they represent to the American culture – yesterday as well as today.