About Ostrich Feathers
Today when the subject of ostrich feathers comes up it typically has to do with flashy Las Vegas-style costuming---elaborate fans, showgirls' headdresses and the like. However, the wide, fluffy plumes once were a true staple of fashion and a source of big money for ostrich farmers. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, milliners throughout primarily the United States and Europe turned to ostrich plumes as intricate decorative touches for ladies' hats. Ostrich farming at that time was primarily done in South Africa, and large fortunes were made. However, the advent of the first automobiles (wind, dust, cramped quarters) caused the ostrich feather industry to decline sharply.
Uses of Feathers
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Ostrich feathers vary in length and can be dyed in a wide variety of colors. In addition to their use in dressy and gaudy costumes, they also are used for making cat toys, miniatures, crafts, dusters, bridal wear, dolls and flower arrangements.
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Types
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The plumage known as "drab" feathers are anything but. They are from 3 to 20 inches long and often serve as wedding centerpieces and as parts of floral arrangements. Tail feathers grow from 11 to 18 inches long and are used in costumes, millinery and crafts. Female Femina wing feathers and male wing feathers are the largest and fluffiest of all the types. These are the brightly dyed specimens that are often seen on show costumes. Spad feathers measure between 18 and 26 inches and are used in bridal wear, costumes and table decorations.
The Bird Today
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Following the decline of the feather industry, South African breeders discovered that the birds' skin made an excellent supple leather, and business began to boom again. In the late 20th century, when the search was on for healthy alternatives to beef, ostrich meat was touted as being low in cholesterol and containing less fat than skinless chicken or turkey. While the birds are raised primarily for their leather and meat, larger farmers still harvest their plumage as a source of income.
Ostrich Facts
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Ostriches are the fastest two-legged animals in the world, and can maintain a speed of 45 mph for up to 30 minutes. Their skin makes the strongest commercially available leather anywhere. Their skeletons and other fossils have been dated to 120 million years old. They do not bury their heads in the sand.
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References
- Photo Credit girl in black feathers image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
