Lowak Shoppala'
Drawing upon research she gained from her fellowship with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Margaret studied early Mississippian conch shells and gorget carvings from the museum’s collection for the “Lowak Shoppala’. She then examined actual woven fabrics from the Spiro Mounds. All became the great inspiration for the Clan costumes. Margaret hand-wove each costume after the apparel of the Mississippian worn from 1200 to 1500 A.D.
Several of the costumes were created at the loom of Margaret’s creative imagination.
Clan Leadera
Alligator Clan Leader
Bird Clan Leader
Minco Clan Leader
Panther Clan Leader
Raccoon Clan Leader
Skunk Clan Leader
Squirrel Clan Leader
Squirrel Clan
About
"Lowak Shoppala', Fire and Light" is a work that expresses Chickasaw identity through the medium of modern classical music and theatre. The concept was inspired by Chickasaw author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Linda Hogan and her poem entitled "Fire and Light." Linda composed an additional volume of poetry and narration for this production. Music was composed and conducted by internationally known Chickasaw composer, Jerod Impichcaachaaha" Tate. Costumes and stage designs were created by Chickasaw textile artist and award winner, Margaret Roach Wheeler.
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