David Mann paints the Native Americans with an intimate knowledge of their culture.  Alone and working under a dim light, a Plains warrior prepares his headdress, which is more than an ornament, but has special meaning and significance.  The bonnet was earned through brave deeds or in battle, and the feathers stood for the deeds themselves.  The bonnet was also the mark of highest respect, because it could not be worn without the consent of the leaders of the tribe.  "Red Feathers" were sacred and indicated something about the warrior's accomplishments in war.