About Oh Kiyo

Oh Kíyo started when I was in high school and I was up cycling vintage dresses and beginning to learn my language more. Fashion saved my life. I am disabled with Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 9 years old. Because of this there were times I couldn’t work/walk and had to support myself but through designing and beading. I am grateful that Creator gave me these gifts to share with the world. MASALI means the act of healing in Chickasaw. It’s important to  heal the self and spirit and going back to what brings us joy and being true to yourself. This year I’ve chosen a focus on the Mississippian era Hawkmoth motif and creating patterns from it. This motif is representative of positive transformation. Ihullo collar, The Beloved Collar This piece was a collaborative piece with Ahattak Isaac Kemp. He hand carved all of these arrowheads, wrapped them with copper. Then I attached them to the deer hide and made the collar. This coming year I will be taking a closer focus on textile formation and Haute Couture pieces. However, this collection will remain available and will be ever growing. 

Although more couture will be coming in the future, I have developed a piece named Chikasha Southern Gothic, which combines traditional Chickasaw dress style with Victorian Era Southern ballgown styles. This piece all pays homage to the Hatchet Women of the Battle of Ackia. I have many more ideas that will be coming to fruition involving the Panther Motif, Koi Ishto (Big Cat). As we hold great respect for the Mountain Lion animal and I have one that lives on our family land.