As noted by katlaughing, ribbons were important to many native american peoples after the european onslaught. In many Muskogean communities, the men wore "ribbon shirts" on ceremonial occasions. Originally, the ribbons had some commemorative significance for the individual and/or his clan, but in more recent times they have become essentially decorative. The women have what is known as "The Ribbon Dance" in which they wear numbers of ribbons. The commemorative element is still very strong among the women, and the length, color and number of ribbons have special meaning for them, individually and collectively.