10 Oklahoma Goldback

Description

Description

Virtue: Unitas (Unity)
Enduring Principle: “Walk in harmony with all things.”

The Oklahoma 10 Goldback represents the virtue of Unitas—Unity, a heartfelt tribute to the vibrant cultural strength and spiritual heritage of Oklahoma’s Native American tribes. As the state with more tribal nations than any other, Oklahoma is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions—none more iconic than the intertribal powwow, a communal gathering of dancers, drummers, and families spanning generations.

This artwork, created in collaboration with Native voices across the state, reflects those living traditions. The scene is set against the striking silhouette of the Wichita Mountains, where two dancers perform at the center of an intertribal powwow. A woman leads with the graceful Fancy Shawl Dance, while behind her, a man performs the high-energy Fancy Dance, known for its athletic movement and bold regalia.

The man portrayed is Mike Pahsetopah of the Osage Nation, a world-champion Fancy Dancer, cultural ambassador, and author of Talking with Hands. His daughter, Heaven, appears at the forefront—an acclaimed Fancy Shawl Dancer who has performed nationwide and on HBO. Their inclusion brings this scene to life as a living tradition, not a romanticized past. The regalia they wear is authentic and personally meaningful, crafted for ceremony and competition.

At Heaven’s suggestion, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird was added to the design. Known for its agility and symbolic ties to renewal and joy, the hummingbird’s flight echoes her swift movements and deep connection to nature. Nearby, a majestic raven carries a flowing ribbon that reads “Unitas.” In many Native cultures, the raven is a spiritual messenger, bridging the sacred and earthly realms.

Indian Blanket flowers, Oklahoma’s vibrant state wildflower, bloom beneath the dancers, while Black Swallowtail butterflies flutter above—mirroring the movement of the shawl’s fringe. In the distance, an American bison moves across the plains. Once nearly lost to history, the bison’s revival parallels the cultural resurgence of Native communities, symbolizing resilience and survival.

The message is clear: unity is not sameness. It is shared purpose, mutual respect, and connection—between people, between traditions, and between humanity and the land. Through this portrayal, the Oklahoma 10 Goldback honors the living heritage of Oklahoma’s Indigenous communities and invites all to walk in harmony with others and the world around them.

Inscribed at the bottom of the artwork is the lasting truth:
“Walk in harmony with all things.”