Need help determining Authenticity of Native American stick

The seller claimed it was a Pow Wow stick but admitted that they weren’t an expert and that they were told what it was second hand only by a Native American vendor at a festival. So very murky and second hand. I still really like it though.

 

Late to the party, here.

I don't believe we have been told how long it is. The wood looks older than the decorations, and there appears to be a groove on at least one end that is not used for attachment of the decorations. This perhaps indicates that the stick had a previous life. With one end broader than the other, it is not shaped properly for a bow. But I am wondering if it might be a throwing stick/rabbit stick that has been dressed up. The attachments certainly look new.


https://americanindian.si.edu/collections-search/objects/NMAI_54400

 

It has the same shape, so it could be.

 

it has a different....quarter moon shape..

 

Funny to see all the 'native heritage' shows on PBS where they are dancing in their 'traditional' dress' which is made up completely of things they never knew of before whitey

 

Well, "whitey" killed most of the buffalo and eagles, so it is difficult to be entirely traditional. "Traditional" can be expressed in style and form, not simply materials.

 

Exactly. When new materials are useful to a tradition, they are used to express that tradition. Sometimes alongside old materials, sometimes instead of old materials.
Wearers of traditional Dutch costumes are also very happy to fasten parts with safety pins, but they are still traditional.

Adopting and adapting are signs of a living culture.