Famine Commemoration Sculpture Installation
Artist with wife Susan and family

Commemorative Choctaw Sculpture Unveiled
at the National Famine Museum

Brendan O’Neill sculpture gives insights into the history of Irish Famine aid

A life-size bronze sculpture entitled ‘The Gift’ has been unveiled outside the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park. It commemorates the generous aid provided by the Choctaw Nation to Ireland during the height of the Great Irish Famine.

Choctaw Famine Aid Sculpture

Esteemed American sculptor Brendan O’Neill, based in Maryland in the USA, sculpted and donated ‘The Gift to the museum. It is a replica of his original piece displayed at the Choctaw Cultural Centre in Oklahoma and is now permanently installed in the courtyard adjacent to the National Famine Museum.

Measuring 29 inches tall and 41 inches wide, this poignant artwork depicts an elderly Choctaw woman and a younger Choctaw man embracing in a gesture of support and protection. They extend a hand of friendship to the Irish people as the woman holds an “ampo,” or eating bowl, symbolising sustenance and nourishment.

Famine Commemoration Sculpture
Artist with Museum Director John O’Driscoll

Commemorating Great Humanity

Brendan O’Neill has created numerous bronze sculptures for various institutions, including the State of Maryland, Indiana University, Native American reservations, and cultural centres. His work is characterised by its profound storytelling and historical significance capturing the essence of the human spirit and heritage. This piece symbolises the matriarchal structure of the Choctaw society. The period clothing, features, styling and native symbols were meticulously crafted with guidance from Choctaw Cultural Centre’s Curator, Claire Young.

Reflecting on the inspiration for ‘The Gift’, Mr. O’Neill said: “Given my ancestral ‘O’Neill’ Irish roots and my interest in Native American history and culture, I was naturally struck by the significance of the Choctaw Nation’s gift to the Irish during ‘An Gorta Mór’ in 1847. I reached out to the Choctaw Elders and offered to commemorate that gift with a bronze sculpture, which I sculpted over a two-year period and delivered to the Choctaw Cultural Centre, in September 2023. I am delighted to donate a copy of this sculpture with The National Famine Museum in Ireland.”

Indigenous Aid – The Choctaw & Ireland

Up until the 1830s, the Native American Choctaw had their traditional lands in Mississippi in the rich south-eastern part of the United States. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 looked to forcibly clear them from these lands and resettle them in what is now Oklahoma. Most Choctaws took the journey which became known as the “Trail of Tears” and many thousands died on the trail.

When Ireland was deep in the throes of the Great Famine in 1847, the international call for aid for the starving Irish was heard by the Choctaw. These people, who had no connection with Ireland and were themselves impoverished and marginalised, gave generously to the cause of Irish famine relief. This remarkable selfless act from people who were themselves still suffering following their displacement, has since been honoured and remains a great symbol of the humanity of giving to those in greater need. It has created a lasting friendship between the two nations.

http://TheIrishHeritageTrust.ie, “Commemorative Choctaw Sculpture Unveiled at the National Famine Museum”, Aug 06 2024