Chickasaw
The Chickasaw were traditionally a tribe of great warriors and hunters located in northeast Mississippi. They are one of the designated "Five Civilized Tribes."
Many years of fighting beside the English against the French took its toll on their warrior class. As the population diminished and game became scarce the tribe turned to farming.
Between 1801 and 1832 the Chickasaw signed treaties giving up their land and moved to Indian Territory. Today they are a very industrious tribe with headquarters in Ada, Oklahoma.
About the Flag:
The center figure is Tishomingo the last great Chickasaw War Chief. The arrows represent the two Chickasaw divisions: the woodland warriors and the village people. The quiver stands for great hunting prowess and the hickory-wood bow represents the warrior's ability to provide for his people. The four headfeathers signify the directions. The sash made from swan feathers is the traditional decoration for a great warrior. The knee straps are a form of Chickasaw medicine which brought fleetness and stamina to the wearer. The river in the background is the Mississippi, which means "without source" in ancient Chickasaw.
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