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Post Office Murals


category : Arts
Post Office Murals The ceremony and social life of the Plains American Indian are beautifully captured in murals at the Anadarko Post Office, the former home of the Kiowa Indian Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and listed on the National Historic Register. The east side of the building still shows its former name.

The 16 panels were designed by the late Stephen Mopope, one of the original Kiowa Five artists. Commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 1936, this was the largest mural commission ever awarded to a Southern Plains Indian artist. The late James Auchiah, who lived at Carnegie, assisted in the paintings of the mural. Understanding of the Indian symbolism can greatly increase the appreciation of the murals.

"The Deer Hunter," pictured above, tells the story of a hunter returning with deer, but only after an extremely long trek, since game is scarce.

"Two Men in Council" is a painting to help remind us of the Sun Dance. The man holding the ceremonial fan is the chief of the Sun Dance. The Sun Dance was traditionally held each summer, before the buffalo hunts to insure a good supply of meat and materials for the winter months. Both men have their braids wrapped, a ceremonial sign, and both wear leggings and hats decorated with a feather.

"The Eagle Dancers," "The Fancy War Dance and Cedar Wood Flute," "The Scalp Dance," "Individual War Dance Drummer," "Eagle Whip and Flute Dancers," and "Two Women and Child Watching Dancers" symbolize the various occasions where dance ceremonies are performed.

Three large murals depict the Kiowas preparing to move south for the winter. "Kiowas Moving Camp" and "Kiowa Camp Site" show the chores performed by the entire family and the activities during winter life.

Other murals reveal the importance of the buffalo in the Plains Indian's lives with "Buffalo with Crossed Arrows Behind It," "Medicine Man's Shield and Lance," "Buffalo Hunting Scene," "Buffalo Hunter Shield." "Fresh Buffalo Head" ends the story told in the murals. It signifies health and food for all and a new beginning to the cycle of life on the Plains.


Admission: Free Admission
Hours: North door is open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm
Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm
Address: Oklahoma and First Street

Come visit us in Anadarko, Oklahoma

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Philomathic Pioneer Museum

There is no better place to learn of Anadarko's pioneer past than at the Anadarko Philomathic Museum. The museum is housed in the old Rock Island Depot, the famed train station where Jesse James' mother stopped for a drink of water.

Anadarko, OK Museums

National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians

The National Hall of Fame of Famous American Indians was established to recognize famous Indians. It was a chance to provide a portrait in bronze bust for people to touch and see the famous people in a three dimensional likeness that they read about in history books. Formed in 1952

Anadarko, OK Halls of Fame

Sidewalk Art

Sidewalk pavers display an Indian mosaic design of the teepee, fire and arrows representing home, warmth and protection of the home respectively.

Anadarko, OK Arts

Outdoor Murals

These murals are two magnificent gifts to downtown Anadarko located on the building of The Gallery of Art which displays the works of more than 120 artists and artisans in traditional, primitive, and contemporary Native American and Southwestern art.

Anadarko, OK Arts


Indian City, U.S.A.

- CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - The only authentic restoration of American dwellings and way of life in America, Indian City, U.S.A. is on the site of the massacre of the Tonkawa Indians by a band of Shawnees and other mercenaries during the Civil War.

Anadarko, OK Museums

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