Pehlichi - Bronze Sculpture

Medium: Bronze
Limited Edition: 5
Size: 22in h x 12in w x 8.25in d
Year: 2023

Each Patina is done by hand, giving every Edition a unique variation of color-work.

The ribbon shirt is a sacred garment in Chickasaw culture, a tapestry of woven stories and histories. Made from the finest cotton or wool, the shirt's V-neckline is adorned with intricate ribbons, forming patterns of geometric shapes and flowers. A kaleidoscope of colors, chosen by the wearer, dances across the fabric, telling the tale of the individual and their journey.

Beyond its ornamental value, the ribbon shirt carries a deeper symbolic significance. Each ribbon represents a person's achievements, their standing in the community, and their connection to their culture. The warrior's shirt, ablaze with red ribbons, declares his valiance and fortitude in battle. The blue ribbons adorning a shirt honor a person's significant contribution to the community.

Through its vibrant hues and intricate weaves, the Chickasaw ribbon shirt serves as a testament to the Nation’s unyielding spirit and enduring traditions. Passed down through generations, each pattern and color is a sacred heirloom, bearing witness to the past and promising hope for the future.

To wear a ribbon shirt is to be adorned in a mantle of pride and resilience, a tribute to the Chickasaw people's enduring legacy. It is a celebration of identity and an affirmation of belonging to a community steeped in history and tradition.