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Artwork by Comanche artist Quanah Parker Burgess, seen here, is showcased in a unique American Indian outdoor Nativity scene on display at the Comanche National Museum from Dec. 1 to Jan. 3 in Lawton, Okla. PHOTO COURTESY COMANCHE NATIONAL MUSEUM

LAWTON, Okla. – The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center in Lawton celebrates the spirit of Christmas with the unveiling of a unique outdoor presentation depicting 19th Century Comanche life.

The display was unveiled at a Christmas Open House on Dec. 1.
The museum’s outdoor exhibition portrays two scenes: a Comanche winter scene and a Nativity Scene with a “Comanche twist.”  Inspiration for the winter scene came from the works of renowned Comanche Artist Doc Tate Nevaquaya, who often illustrated winter camps in many of his paintings.  “Historically, early 19th century Comanches did not celebrate Christmas so we were challenged with finding a way to tell our story and still celebrate the spirit of the season,” said Executive Director, Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi.  “Our representation shows Comanche life as it was on the Plains many years ago,” Wahahrockah-Tasi said.
By the late 19th century, Missionaries introduced Christianity to the Comanches and the celebration of Christmas began.  In observance of the tribe’s Christian roots, a life-size Nativity Scene will also be displayed.  The scene is created by museum Cultural Specialist, Bambi Allen and features a full-sized Comanche Brush Arbor instead of a traditional manger.  The museum commissioned Comanche Artist Quanah Parker Burgess to paint biblical figures which will be placed underneath the arbor.  The Baby Jesus will be placed in a handcrafted Comanche Cradleboard.
Guests who view the scenes will have the opportunity to enhance their experience with music by Native American Music Award Winner and Comanche Tribal Member, Apryl Allen.  The museum has purchased a remote transmitter that will allow visitors to tune their car radios to 88.5 FM to hear Allen’s music as they drive past the displays.
“One of our main goals is to educate the public about the Comanche Nation.  These scenes allow us the opportunity to show aspects of our history that many may not know about,” Wahahrockah-Tasi said.
The scenes will remain on display through January 3, 2010.
The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center is located on the west side of Elmer Thomas Park at 701 NW Ferris Avenue.  For more information go to www.comanchemuseum.com or call 580-353-0404.