Big Bats
PO Box 1987
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD 57770



Home of the Oglala Lakota Band of Indians. Big Bat's is proud to offer a cultural experience through visual interpretation, set in a retail location to serve your traveling needs. Big Bat's is the place to stop to find out from local Lakota people, what to see and where to go when visiting South Dakota.

Entering the store is as much an adventure as it is a shopping experience. throughout the store you'll find a number of fascinating pieces of interprative and cultural art work.
  
The Story of the Tipi
    A buffalo hide tipi hanging from the ceiling of the store in Pine Ridge and the story of the tipi is a rich cultural experience, explaining the traditional Lakota Values. The oval shape design on the floor at the east end of the store. It was designed by Donald Montileaux to represent the inside of a tipi.
The Seven Lakota Values are embedded in the floor in brass plates. They start at the entrance of the tipi to the east and go clock-wise with the first value of Respect, followed by Honesty, Fortitude, Generosity, Courage, Responsibility and last, Wisdom. The words are printed in both Lakota and English.

Lakota Life Mural
by Don Montileaux - Oglala Lakota Artist
   The 106 foot mural starts with grandfather the storyteller, telling the story of the "Buffalo Calf Women", when he appears again the story changes to the "Twins", followed by " The Horse Story" and the "Pow-wow". There is a pamphlet for a self-guided walk through these culturally rich Lakota Life Murals.

Wounded Knee Photo Gallery
    Above the windows are pictures of the year of the Massacre of Wounded Knee. A narrative of the photos is presented by author Mark St. Pierre.

Indian Reservation Photo Wall
   This display of historical photos is a changing exhibit, showing turn-of-the-century photos of the different districts on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
  
  
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Reproduction of this material without written permission is strictly forbidden. © 2003 Muddy Creek Oil and Gas, Inc. All rights reserved. Muddy Creek Oil and Gas, Inc PO Box 1987, Pine Ridge SD 57770 Phone (308) 432-6880 fax (308) 432-6882
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