People have used feathers for a variety of purposes. For hundreds of years, American Indians used feathers to make arrows and headdresses. Until the mid-1800's, when pens with steel points became popular, most people wrote with quill pens. Today, manufacturers use feathers as stuffing in pillows and furniture. Down feathers provide excellent insulation in jackets, quilts, and sleeping bags.
Designers decorate hats and other garments with feathers.
Some uses of feathers, however, have come under heavy criticism. For example, the overuse of feathers for women's hats has endangered the survival of many kinds of birds. Laws forbid the importation of bird feathers into the United States. Edward H. Burtt, Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Zoology, Ohio Wesleyan University. How to cite this article.