First Americans

before you could explain, but I'd suggest in the future, maybe you make it plain that you're working on projects from your own heritage before you say exactly what you're working on. If you'd started out by telling him about the Gundestrop Cauldron before simply saying 'antler headdress', he might have reacted far differently.

Sometimes you've simply got to take more care when you're dealing to people who are used to dealing with people who ARE doing cultural appropriation, to make sure they don't simply assume you're one of many.

Better luck with the next person you talk to.