Plumage of birds was used in fans, such as those of the Egyptians and Native American Indians, that had both practical and ceremonial uses.
In the ancient Americas, the Aztec, Maya, and South American cultures used bird feathers in their fans. Among the Aztec fans were used to depict merchants in illustrations of trades. The use of various feather types had a religious connotation.
In the ancient Americas, the Aztec, Maya, and South American cultures used bird feathers in their fans. Among the Aztec fans were used to depict merchants in illustrations of trades. The use of various feather types had a religious connotation.
The Paracas people of South America (modern Peru) have left numerous examples of ancient feather fans among their mummies. In India, the Hindi term for a fan is 'pankha' (a derivative of "a feather" or "a bird's wing").
Pictorial evidence records that the Greeks, the Etruscans, and the Romans used fans as cooling and ceremonial devices.
In Greece, linen was stretched over leaf-shaped frames.
In Rome, gilded and painted wooden fans were used. Roman ladies throughout the empire used circular fans.
Chinese sources link the fan with mythical and historical characters.
