Chieftain's Challenge

“

Screamin' Eagles! Click to listen — The Soldier

”

The Chieftan's Challenge is an unlockable headwear item for the Soldier. It is a classic stereotypical Native American headdress, worn by chiefs from the early 1850s to the late 1910s.

Trivia

• Chieftan's Challenge, a traditional headdress of Native Americans, was made from eagle feathers. This meant that for one to acquire said feather one would have to hunt for an eagle. In some American Indian tribes individuals had to go through many tribulations to receive or be allowed to make a headdress. Individuals would first have to be respected people of their community such as a chief or great warrior. Then, most often the person would be allowed by his people to leave the daily life of the village to hunt down an eagle. This task could take a substantial amount of time which is probably why the developers name the item so.
• The hat may be tied to the Soldier's affiliation with eagles. ie: "Screaming Eagles!"
• It is likely that this hat was added in reference to the Control Point TF2 Podcast, as there is a suggestion for a Native American themed Soldier update mentioned within an episode.
• The name of this hat is misspelled (the correct title is "chieftain"). This may be a joke pertaining to the Soldier's glaring ignorance of history and other cultures.
• According to the TF2Items hat statistics page, this is currently the most desired hat.
• Continuing the trend of his previous hats, this hat covers the Soldier's eyes. However, unlike the others that just hang down over his eyes, this one completely covers them.
• Following the theme of the Tyrant's Helm and Killer's Kabuto, this headgear is wore by those known to be legendary and ruthless champions of battle in history and in myth. Perhaps The Soldier identifies with these tribes of warriors and chooses to mimic their well recognized headgear.