Chiefs Coats, Brides and Drum Keepers

PRESS RELEASE

Chiefs Coats, Brides and Drum Keepers: The Development of Osage Bridal Attire

By Dan Swan, Sam Noble Museum Curator

Please join us as we explore the history of Osage bridal attire and its incorporation into the Paying for the Drum ceremonies of the Elonshka Dances. We will discuss the gifts of military coats to Osage Chiefs and their use in traditional Osage weddings. We will also examine the construction of wedding coats by Osage and non-Osage artisans.

The event will begin with a slide show of historic Osage Wedding attire followed by audience discussion of Osage oral tradition on the subject. A number of historic and contemporary Osage wedding coats and hats will be on display during the event, a rare occasion to view and experience this regalia. We will also discuss modern interpretations of Osage bridal attire and its construction. The Cultural Center will provide light refreshments. We invite people to bring photos, wedding coats, hats and stories to share.

The event is part of the efforts of the Sam Noble Museum, University of Oklahoma to develop an exhibition and publication on Osage weddings. We will also explore the incorporation of “brides” in the paying for the drum ceremonies of the Elonshka dances. The participation of the Osage community is critical to this on-going effort and we hope community members will continue to contribute to the planning and realization of the exhibition at every step in its development.

May 2, 2015

10:00am to 1:00pm

Cultural Center, 1449 West Main, Pawhuska OK

Sponsored by the Cultural Center, the Sam Noble Museum and College of Arts and Sciences, University of Oklahoma. For more information contact Renee Harris at rharris@osagenation-nsn.gov or Rebecca Brave at rbrave@osagenation-nsn.govor 918-287-5538 or 5537.

Visit the project website at: www.osageweddings.com