The Mississippian Bear was created by Macon artist Rudy Mendes using gems, stones, glass, mirrors and other materials to create a highly-decorative mosaic. The inspiration for the bear is the Mississipian culture of mound-building Native American who once flourished in the area and are responsible for the mounds at the Ocmulgee National Monument. According to Mendes, the Mississippians believed that "all things are connected," and that concept helped the artist to envision and create this bear. He incorporated natural elements into the work, and the design is based on the pottery of the Mississippian culture.