Oxford Reporter

The Square’s latest mural—painted by Chicago-based artist Anna Murphy—features “Princess Hoka,” a Chickasaw woman who once owned most of the land in where downtown Oxford now sits. 

The 1,600-square-foot painting is located on the back wall of Oxford Square North Plaza facing the parking garage. Murphy consulted members of the Chickasaw Nation to help ensure the historical accuracy of the woman, her traditional clothing and her jewelry. 

But did you know that Hoka’s loose hairstyle is not typical of everyday Chickasaw fashion? During the time Hoka would have lived, most women wore their hair in a bun. They would only wear their hair down and combed when they were in mourning. 

“When I was discussing the hairstyle with the Chickasaw Nation, we decided it was appropriate to have her hair down as she could be mourning the loss of their land; when they were forced to leave during the [Indian] Removal Act,” said Murphy. 

Signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830, the Indian Removal Act forced Native Americans, including Chickasaw Nation citizens, out of the Southeast. Most Chickasaw were forcibly moved west beginning in 1837.

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