Culture.....Part 2 (Toklo)

Chukma!  (Greetings)

Welcome back to part two of the Chickasaw Cultural Center tour! 

As listed in the title of this post, "Toklo" means "two" in Chickasaw language.

The bell is located at the outdoor amphitheater. 

Here at the amphitheater, there are gourd dances, stomp dances and storytelling.

The sky pavilion is NEAT-O.  We didn't go up in the pavilion, but it overlooks the traditional village, which you will see below. 

Here is what the website says about the Sky Pavilion:

"View the Chickasaw Cultural Center from high above on the Aba’ Aanowa’ (“a place for walking above”) Sky Pavilion. An overlook that juts above the Traditional Village, the Sky Pavilion offers a breathtaking view of the grounds."

Fencing around the traditional village

The Council House.

In modern culture, is purely symbolic in its nature.

  It is the place where treaties were signed and tribal laws/policies were established in the 1800's.   

Today, there is a Chickasaw Council House Museum, located in Tishimingo, OK.

The two buildings on the right and left are summer homes. 

Summer homes have two openings (I believe) to allow more air in for cooling.

Corn Crib.

The corn crib housed, guess what?  The corn!...and other food. 

It was elevated to keep critters from entering and eating the food/corn.

Also, I believe someone was to always keep a close eye on the crib to ensure the food was safe....and, someone even sleeps in the crib at night to guard the food.  

Winter House.

A winter house had sort of a "fold over" entrance, to help block some of the cold. 

An opening in the ceiling allowed for the smoke from the fire to escape.

Me in front of the great Warrior statue, haha!

I'm channeling my inner warrior as you can tell by this beautiful expression on my face.

I hope you enjoyed part two! 

Stay tuned for the third and final cultural post!

Until next time, peace out!