Welcome to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where history stands tall in the form of a grand 30-foot sculpture known as Crooked Feather. This towering Indian head sculpture is a tribute to the Native American tribes that once called this area home, including the Bylocchy, Pascoboula, and Moctoby tribes. Prior to European colonization in 1699, these tribes thrived along the Gulf Coast, shaping the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Crooked Feather was originally carved in 1975 by Hungarian artist Peter Wolf Toth, as part of his ‘Trail of the Whispering Giants’ series. This ambitious project aimed to honor Native American tribes across the Americas, with statues situated in every U.S. state, parts of Canada, and even Toth’s native Hungary.
The original sculpture, made from a massive cypress log, succumbed to termite damage, leading to its replacement in 1999 by a replica carved by Thomas King. The new Crooked Feather continues to overlook Highway 90, just east of the Biloxi Bridge, greeting travelers as a steadfast reminder of the area’s first inhabitants.
Ocean Springs itself has a storied past, with the arrival of European settlers in the late 17th century bringing significant changes. This town has seen the evolution from a small settlement to a vibrant community, enriched by its Native American roots and the cultural contributions of those who followed.
As you stand before Crooked Feather, consider the legacy of the Native American tribes and the artists like Toth who worked to preserve their memory. This statue is more than a landmark; it is a symbol of resilience and a tribute to the enduring spirit of the people who once roamed these lands.
