The Panther Clan: Lowak Shoppala' Costumes

Margaret Roach Wheeler

Margaret Wheeler shows us this stunning costume, remembering when (prompted by Jerod Tate), she realized that in Linda Hogan’s poem, this clan leader was a woman. She did research to understand prevailing styles in paintings with long fringe and off-shoulder dresses. The headdress is made of shells and feathers.

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The Squirrel: Lowak Shoppala' Costume

Margaret Roach Wheeler
Margaret Wheeler introduces the Squirrel Clan leader costume she designed for the Lowak Shoppala’ theatrical production.

The Storyteller: Lowak Shoppala' Costume

Margaret Roach Wheeler
Margaret Wheeler introduces this costume she designed for the Lowak Shoppala’ Storyteller, who tells a turtle tale.

Costumes for Lowak Dance Troupe, Scene 2

Margaret Roach Wheeler
Margaret Wheeler shows us her costumes for the second number performed by the six couples, reflecting 18th century dress.

The Alligator Clan: Lowak Shoppala' Costumes

Margaret Roach Wheeler
Margaret Wheeler shows us this costume, inspired by a shell carving she found at the Smithsonian.

The Skunk Clan: Lowak Shoppala' Costumes

Margaret Roach Wheeler
Margaret Wheeler shows us the Skunk Clan costume and how she worked with felted silk wool.

The Minko: Lowak Shoppala' Costumes

Margaret Roach Wheeler
Margaret Wheeler notes the mannequins for her costume exhibit at the Cultural Center were designed to represent copper.

Lowak Shoppala' Costumes: Worn by Modern Chickasaws

Margaret Roach Wheeler
Margaret Wheeler describes the array of costumes she designed for the Lowak Shoppala’ production to represent each scene.

Lowak Costumes: Detail on Clans

Margaret Roach Wheeler
Margaret Wheeler provides some background on the clans, which governed and provided social structure to early Indian villages.