Painting a New Battle Tipi: Public Art, Intellectual Property and Heritage Construction in a Contemporary Native American Community

The Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society celebrated the 50th anniversary of its revival in 2008. A central component of the celebration was the decision by the officers of the organization to commission a new iteration of their painted Battle Tipi. This article explores the issues of artistic interpretations, community discourse and intellectual property associated with the production of the new tipi and its dedication during the anniversary celebration.