Why did Indians put feathers on their arrows?

Answer 1

They wore feathers as a way of showing off their prowess in battle. Feathers were awarded for first, second, third and fourth strikes in counting coup, amongst other things.

A black and white feather with a stripe in the middle meant that the person was brave during war, so he killed an enemy and took his scalp.

Answer 2

For the same reasons Generals wear stars and captains wear bars and police wear uniforms. It's a way of showing fellow tribesmen his seniority, accoplishments, and status to other tribes.

Answer 3

Indians believed that nature was sacred, that they were a part of nature. The wore feathers because they came from nature and were from the noble eagle.

Answer 4

It helped assist them in aiming.