Osage
The Osage, Kansa (Kaw), Omaha, Ponca, and Quapaw may have once been a single east coast group but separated as they moved west. In the mid-1600's the Osage settled along the Osage and Missouri Rivers in Missouri and claimed the land extending from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.
They were hunters and farmers who lived in circular lodges covered with skins or woven mats. Twice a year the Osage would follow and hunt the buffalo and live in tipis.
By 1818, the Osage had ceded all their lands to the US Government except those in Kansas. Later they sold their Kansas lands and purchased some in Oklahoma. Around 1906, the Oklahoma land was divided among tribal members, but the tribe retained mineral rights. Many Osage became wealthy in the 1920's when oil was discovered on their property.
About the Flag:
The seal of the Osage Nation was adopted in 1955. The gold circle symbolizes tribal prosperity. The blue arrowhead stands for the hunt and war. Peace is represented by the pipe. Pipes were smoked when treaties were signed and indicate peaceful and friendly relations. The eagle feather fan stands for the authority of high office in clan or tribal affairs.
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