2 Oklahoma Goldback

Description

Description

Virtue: Benevolentia (Kindness)
Enduring Principle: “The greatest strength is gentleness.”

The Oklahoma 2 Goldback honors the virtue of Benevolentia—Kindness, as lived and passed down by generations of Indigenous women. The scene unfolds in the fertile river valleys of Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, and pays tribute to the wisdom, generosity, and quiet resilience of Native matriarchs whose guidance has long shaped tribal life.

At the heart of the image stands a Cherokee mother, clothed in a traditional tear dress and a beaded headband, powerful symbols of identity and heritage. In her arms, she carries a woven basket brimming with corn, beans, squash, and strawberries—a representation of the Three Sisters agricultural tradition. This ancient planting method, used by many Native cultures, demonstrates mutual support: corn gives structure, beans enrich the soil, and squash shields the roots. The strawberries, sacred in Cherokee culture, represent love and reconciliation.

In the background, another mother tends the harvest with a child nestled in a papoose, symbolizing the intergenerational cycle of nurturing, teaching, and tradition. A branch of Oklahoma’s state tree—the Eastern Redbud—arches above them, its vibrant spring blossoms representing renewal and beauty.

Behind the figures flows the Illinois River, a vital and spiritual waterway for the Cherokee people. Dugout canoes drift across its surface, capturing the deep-rooted Indigenous connection to water as a source of life, transportation, and ceremony. Nearby, a traditional Asi house, once used by Southeastern tribes during winter, speaks to the architectural ingenuity and communal spirit of Indigenous life. Built from saplings and clay, it reflects the symbiotic relationship between people and the land.

Along the soil’s edge, footprints whisper a quiet reminder of the Trail of Tears—a painful chapter in American history when the Cherokee and other Southeastern tribes were forcibly removed from their homelands. Though this journey was one of unimaginable hardship, it also planted the seeds of resilience and renewal in present-day Oklahoma.

A rainbow arcs overhead, symbolizing healing, hope, and a commitment to preserving culture for future generations. Today, Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized tribes, each with a unique identity but shared values: stewardship, reverence for the earth, and a deep sense of community.

Though the artwork centers on Cherokee iconography, it was created with guidance from cultural advisors and artists representing several Oklahoma tribes. A registered Choctaw artist originally suggested the theme, ensuring the story was shaped with cultural authenticity and respect. Every element—from the flora to the architecture—was chosen to reflect the matrilineal traditions of the region.

Native women were not only caregivers; they were farmers, landowners, warriors, teachers, and leaders. Their influence shaped daily life and governance, and their legacy continues in every generation that follows. This Goldback is more than an image—it’s a heartfelt tribute to those who lead with love, teach with patience, and show that the truest kindness is powerful, enduring, and transformative.

At the bottom of the note, the timeless message reads:
“The greatest strength is gentleness.”