THE DELAWARE NATION traces its origins to the Lenape people, known as the “Grandfathers” and recognized as one of the oldest nations in the Northern Hemisphere. Today, at the Delaware Nation Cultural Center and Library in Anadarko, Oklahoma, that rich heritage is celebrated through storytelling, education and art — including a bespoke tile installation that transforms traditional cultural elements into an architectural showpiece.
The striking feature wall at the Cultural Center is adorned with Lenape Deco–Waterjet, a bespoke tile design created through a unique collaboration between the Delaware Nation, Choctaw Nation Master Artist DG Smalling and the Emser Tile Tulsa Branch. Though a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Smalling works under Delaware Nation law as a Master Artist, a role that authorizes him to create and preserve approved Delaware and Lenape designs on behalf of the Nation. More than a decorative element, the installation serves as a visual embodiment of Delaware Nation heritage, honoring generations of tradition while creating a contemporary focal point within the space.
The project represents the culmination of years of planning between Smalling and the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma. Together, they envisioned a way to preserve and celebrate non-sacred Lenape designs by translating them into contemporary cultural assets. For Smalling, the responsibility extended far beyond design. Every element required thoughtful consideration to ensure cultural authenticity and respect. Working closely with tribal leadership, he carefully worked to ensure each design accurately reflected the artistic traditions of the Delaware Nation while avoiding misinterpretation or misuse.
The journey from artwork to tile was equally deliberate. Drawing inspiration from a Lenape graphite work, Smalling extracted and reimagined a border pattern that would become the foundation for the installation. The design evolved through multiple artistic mediums — first sketched by hand, then etched into wood, painted and refined — before ultimately being translated into colorful custom-cut tile composition comprised of several Emser collections: Passion™ in Rosa and Blanco, Luxo™ in Black and Hues™ in Brick.
Inspired by the success of the collaboration, Emser Tile launched Native Narratives, a program dedicated to honoring Indigenous cultures through bespoke tile designs that intentionally incorporate historical and cultural references. The initiative provides Tribal Nations opportunities for meaningful cultural representation in the enduring medium of modern tile across dining establishments, resorts and casinos, cultural centers, civic buildings and more. Smalling has continued to collaborate on additional collections honoring the
Chickasaw-Choctaw and Cherokee Nations, as well as new Indigenous designs. Together, these projects demonstrate how thoughtful design partnerships can preserve history, celebrate identity and create spaces that tell stories for generations to come.
