Aktá Lakota Museum

08/28/2026

[Did You Know?]
Porcupine quillwork is one of the oldest and most beautiful art forms of the Northern Plains tribes. Long before glass beads arrived with European traders, Lakota artists had already perfected the intricate skill of using quills to adorn clothing, tools, and ceremonial items.

A deeply rooted part of Lakota heritage, quillwork reflects both artistry and cultural identity.
🧵 Discover stunning, locally made quillwork items in our Gift Shop: https://bit.ly/3JW1Xt7

08/27/2026

🎉 Celebrating 8 Years with Wanda!

Eight years ago today, Wanda joined our museum family—and what a blessing she has been ever since! Her dedication, warmth, and joy have made a lasting impact on all of us.

Help us celebrate Wanda and all she brings to the Aktá Lakota Museum!

💙

08/27/2026

📜 On This Day in History | August 27, 1935 |
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1935 is Enacted

The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) of 1935 was the first federal law specifically created to protect Native cultural property and artistic expression. It defines “Indian” as a member of any federally or state-recognized Tribe or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by a Tribe.

The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary artworks made after 1935, ensuring authenticity and cultural integrity in the marketplace.

The Act also established the Indian Arts and Crafts Board within the U.S. Department of the Interior to promote and protect Native art and artists. Its key mission:
✔️ Support tribal economic development
✔️ Protect cultural heritage through trademark enforcement
✔️ Monitor compliance and combat misrepresentation

🎨 Learn more about how this law continues to support Native artists today.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Lakota Word Wednesday...

08/26/2026

🎉 150th Annual Rosebud Fair, Wacipi & Rodeo
📅 August 26–30, 2026
📍 Adam Bordeaux Memorial Area – Rosebud, South Dakota

Join the celebration of Lakota culture and community at one of the longest-running powwows in the nation! Enjoy traditional dancing, drumming, rodeo events, softball tournaments, and so much more.

✨ Everyone is welcome!

🔗 More details: facebook.com/rosebudsiouxtribefair

08/25/2026

🌟 The Lakota Star Quilt
Quilting became a meaningful art form for Native American women in the late 19th century, blending tradition and adaptation. While many tribes create star quilts, the Lakota are especially known for this iconic and symbolic design.

Each quilt tells a story—of honor, love, and cultural pride.

🧵 Stop by our gift shop to explore a beautiful selection of handmade star quilts crafted with care and tradition.

🛍️ http://bit.ly/2MpjWxm

08/24/2026

[ArtiFact Spotlight]
Ceremonial Cup, ca. 1890s – Sioux
Kent B. Wintersteen Collection

Horn cups, spoons, and ladles were traditionally crafted from the horns of buffalo, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and later, cattle. The long, curved horns of sheep and goats were especially prized for making ladles and dippers due to their size and shape.

To create these items, the horn was soaked in warm water until pliable, then carefully split, flattened, and carved into a functional and beautiful form.

🔍 Visit the museum to explore more about this traditional craft:
https://bit.ly/3tOs6mE

08/21/2026

Remembering Richard Red Owl (1940-2025)
Lakota Name: Ta Wóihanble Owápe | Depiction of His Vision
📍 Born: August 14, 1940 | Pine Ridge, South Dakota
🕯️ Passed: August 21, 2025 | Omaha, Nebraska

Today, we remember and honor Lakota artist Richard “Rich” Red Owl, whose work celebrated the life, culture, and spirit of the Lakota people.

Inspired by artists such as Oscar Howe, Hobart Keith, and Charles M. Russell, Red Owl explored styles ranging from Realism to Abstract Expressionism. His work earned numerous honors, including the Oscar Howe Award in 1994, and is held in public and private collections across the country.

Red Owl also helped establish the Oglala Sioux Artists Association and later the Dreamcatchers Society, creating opportunities and recognition for Native artists.

His legacy lives on through his art and his enduring contributions to Lakota art and culture.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/41TTQHn