Two Feathers

The tarot card reader in this store was SO inaccurate. He told me he could feel the presence of my grandmother in the room — she’s still alive — and I’m pretty sure he was high. Avoid like the plague.

Looking like the entrance to a Native American themed ride at a theme park, places like Two Feathers do tend to engender a degree of cynicism in me. Actually, perhaps not cynicism so much as sadness. I find it saddening that the secularism of our age, the exposure of mainstream religion as at least largely redundant, and at worst actively harmful, has had the effect of turning ‘spirituality,’ (a far more common human need/​feeling than many contemporary atheists would like to admit) into just another commodity to be packaged and sold. It saddens me that people in Brighton — or any other place for that matter — feel a lack in their lives, a disconnectedness from nature or perhaps the world at large, that they don’t fully understand and so seek to remedy buy buying a £17.95 ‘aura spray’ from somewhere like Two Feathers.
It saddens me that people look around at their own lives, and find it so barren of meaning that the only thing they can think to do is to appropriate someone else’s culture; as though wearing moccasins and buying crystals will allow them access to a spiritual understanding. Not that I think the people that run the shops or make the goods are bad people, cynical capitalists who want to make money out of people’s spiritual malaise: I think they believe in it themselves and want to share it with others. I just think it’s a shame that people can’t find a way of giving their lives meaning, or a feeling of connectedness without having to shell out a load of money buying into cultural references which don’t really fit them.

Wrapped in a fudgy bouquet from the fudge shop a few doors away, Two Feathers is manna from heaven for people interested in Native American Indian culture. Turquoise jewellery, Navajo rugs, books, World Music, Dreamcatchers, everything Dances with Wolves you’ll find it in here. I once met an Indian huddled around a fire in an open dustbin in the middle of a red rock desert somewhere near Flagstaff, Arizona; he was peddling dinosaur tours of T Rex footprints. We passed by in our Camper and gave him a beer we’d carried in our broken fridge all the way from Guatemala (as they weren’t allowed it on the res). I always think of him and that bottle of Corona when I pass here. I digress.

Not an entirely commercial concept, but what I’ve seen on so many market stalls has made the deserved transition to a shop.
Specialising in Native American items, the walls are laden with jewellery, rugs and dream catchers-there’s a nice selection of moccasin boots kicking around too.
They also have an in shop Tarot reader but being a sceptic, and a somewhat rational thinker, I have no interest in such things-​my friend however, was suitably concerned by what she was told.

A specialist Native American shop, this is another really unique place in the heart of North Laine. The shop is beautifully decorated, with beautiful things for sale and has a fantastic feel to it. I always feel calm and peaceful when I’m in here, surrounded by the sound of trickling water and the smell of incense and essential oils. Just lovely.
They’ve got all manner of authentic Native American paraphernalia for sale like dream catchers, silver and crystal jewellery, wooden flutes, tasselled jackets and cute little moccasins. There’s also a strong spiritual element to the store they sell crystals, oracle and tarot cards, divination tools and they’ve got a great (but pricey) selection of scented oils and incense at the back.
Most things in here are pretty expensive, but that’s because it’s all genuine. You get exactly what you pay for everything is handmade and you can tell it’s been done in the traditional way with a lot of care and attention to detail.
To really appreciate the love that’s gone into this place, just read this inspiring little piece by owners Peter and Sara:

When Two Feathers first opened, I felt a bit uncomfortable about it. Not because I felt it was gimmicky or stereotypical particularly, but because it felt so out of place! I grew up visiting Massachusetts a lot and visited plenty of Native American trading posts, all of which were as full-​on as Two Feathers. Their location on the Mohawk Trail, however, made them seem much more authentic! And because Two Feathers feels so out of context, I can’t help but still have niggling worries about cultural exploitation and commercialization, but without knowing much about the background of the shop, it’s hard to know… And quite hypocritically I happily trot around in moccasins, so I should probably pipe down!
Tribal and ethnic symbols, prints and styles have become increasingly appropriated in high street fashion design and often with little understanding of the craft practices or histories of the cultures they originate from. Whats good about Two Feathers is that there is a clear association and in most cases explicit explanation of exactly how and where the item was made. Even if the shop does feel a bit gimmicky and touristy at first, it is obvious that there is an honest appreciation for Native American craft and culture. This is the best place to get authentic moccasins, jackets and Native American blankets– a little more expensive than the high street versions, but worth it for the real deal!

Two Feathers — with it’s big cardboard Native American man outside — was always one of those North Laine shops that I wandered past many a time, never remotely inclined to venture in. I did however pop in this week, when scouting the area for a housewarming gift for my friend. My cynicism may have ruined my visit slightly, and was only further incited by the ambient pipe music and sound of running water as I entered. Follow the water sound to the back and you’ll see its source — a giant tacky Native American man fountain. My visit was also further ruined by my previous visit to downstairs in Kissing Fish, where you’ll find many wooden carvings of a certain male body part — ranging from keyrings, to foot high ornaments. Two Feathers had a shelf of similarly shaped glass items, and being the immature child that I am, I couldn’t help pointing out the similarity. Seconds later the shop keeper came over, asking me if I had any questions… ooops! I left pretty sharpish after that. I do agree with Emma J.‘s review though, but perhaps I should leave it to her to discuss the merits of this place.

I was a bit sceptical when this shop first opened– I was worried it would be too gimmicky and only stock lower quality Native American goods as a novelty. I was tempted in by the beautiful moccasins on display outside– they were lovely and soft and great quality. The majority of the shop is actually given over– unexpectedly but enjoyably– to Native American jewellery– stunning turquoise, coral, beaded jewellery. I love the cabinet of vintage jewellery– I lust after the twenties era bangles. They do stock what might be considered stereotypical Native American items– dreamcatchers, tassled leather jackets and crystals– however because everything is presented with information about where, when and by whom the items are made none of it comes across as exploitative. There is evidently a huge amount of knowledge and passion behind everything on sale here and it makes the whole place very convincing. So if you are interested in the philosophy or just the aesthetic– check it out.