DURANT, Okla. (KFOR) – There are precious few examples of trade goods between the French and Choctaw Nations circa 1724, but they do exist.
"Are these quite rare?," we ask Dr. Alexandria Gaugh.
"Oh extremely, yes," she replies.
Gaugh is an American caretaker of a unique collection on loan from a French museum, items made by Native Americans and used to cement trade relationships with French colonists between 1699 and 1763.
"This is alliance building," she explains. "They were working with English and French allies. To do that, they were trading really prestigious trade goods, high quality, unique items."
Choctaws prized metal, glass beads, and especially firearms.
The French were after raw materials, but also artwork, pottery, and ceremonial items.
"Those were gifted or traded to the Europeans," she continues.
The noble class and rich merchants kept these prizes in collections.
After the French Revolution, many were moved to museums where they sit to the present day.
To Choctaw tribal members, they are links to forgotten artists, on loan from old friends.
Gaugh points out, "French people, typically, think about the colonies and those lost relationships with a kind of romantic nostalgia."
The collection is augmented by archeological finds and modern examples of old methods.
The literal translation of the name of this exhibit means 'to cross the ocean.'
Their value to two cultures has only grown through the centuries.
For more information on the exhibit at the Choctaw Cultural Center go to choctawculturalcenter.com.
Great State is sponsored by Oklahoma Proton Center
