Owl feather pins were common throughout Southern California as religious ornaments.  Owls have special abilities which make them the masters of darkness.  They see and hunt exceptionally well in the dark.  They glide noiselessly when they swoop to attack prey.  And perhaps, most unusual, they eat their prey whole; after digesting the soft tissue, they regurgitate the bones and fur of their prey in a tight ball, the skull frequently remains intact.  These pins are always considered sacred, and should be treated with respect.