How did Plains influences change Plateau clothing and ceremonial regalia?

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, increased interaction and trade with Plains groups led many Plateau Indian tribes to adopt new styles of dress and ceremonial regalia.12

Before these influences, traditional Plateau clothing consisted of items such as bark breechcloths, aprons, and ponchos, with fur robes or blankets used for warmth. As Plains cultural forms became more prevalent, clothing styles shifted significantly:21

• Men’s Attire: Men began wearing breechcloths, leggings, and shirts, often incorporating feathered headdresses and other war regalia.12
• Women’s Attire: Women adopted the use of leggings and Plains-inspired beaded dresses.12
• General Accessories: The use of braided hair, headbands, and various forms of headgear became common across the region.2

These changes were most pronounced among groups like the Sahaptin, Flathead, and Kutenai, who integrated these material innovations into their culture. However, not all Plateau peoples adopted these trends; northwestern Salishan groups, for instance, largely rejected these changes to maintain their traditional practices.1