A sky-blue field with a circular Osage shield of buffalo hide, decorated with eagle feathers. Across it lie a peace pipe and olive branch. Small white letters spell “Oklahoma” beneath. The symbolism is explicit: a flag of conciliation and heritage.
Sky blue field with Osage warrior shield, olive branch, and calumet.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Louise Fluke
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Buffalo
- Design type
- Indigenous emblem on colored field
- Complexity
- 5/10
- Readability
- 8/10
- Seal-based design
- No
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Osage Shield
Represents Native American heritage.
Olive Branch And Peace Pipe
Symbolize peace between cultures.
Blue Field
Choctaw flag influence and devotion.
Design Breakdown
The Oklahoma flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: Sky blue field with Osage warrior shield, olive branch, and calumet.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- One of few state flags centered on Indigenous symbolism
- Uses a light blue field uncommon among U.S. state flags
- Explicitly represents peace between cultures
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Strong Native American representation
- Distinctive light blue field
- Clear peace symbolism
Common criticism
- Includes text
- Central emblem can be detailed at small sizes
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the state name text
- Simplify the shield design
- Use a text-free Indigenous symbol
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Oklahoma state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Identify Native American elements in the design.
- Explain significance of peace symbols.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
Buffalo Shield
An Osage Nation buffalo-hide shield centered on the flag.
Attributes: Brown buffalo-hide shield, Feather ornaments
Meaning: Native heritage, protection, and the Indigenous peoples of Oklahoma
Peace Symbols
A Native American peace pipe crossed with an olive branch.
Attributes: Calumet (peace pipe), Olive branch
Meaning: Peace between Native Americans and European settlers
State Name
The word 'OKLAHOMA' displayed beneath the central emblem.
Attributes: White capital letters
Meaning: Clear labeling of the state
Field
Light blue background field.
Meaning: Peace, harmony, and a break from darker military-style blue fields
Historical Timeline
Shield design flag adopted.
Name ‘Oklahoma’ added below design.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: Indigenous emblem on colored field
Complexity: 5/10
Readability: 8/10
Fascinating Facts
One of the most symbolically rich U.S. state flags.
Features both Native American and European peace symbols.
The Osage Nation buffalo-skin shield is the central element.
Seven eagle feathers hanging from the shield represent sacred traditions.
The peace pipe symbolizes Native American peace.
The olive branch represents European peace.
The sky-blue field reflects devotion and sincerity.
The current flag design was officially adopted in 1925.
State Information
- Population
- 3,959,353
- Area
- 69,899
- Founded
- 16 Nov 1907
- Region
- Southwest
