Kiowa Indian Art: Watercolor Paintings in Color by the Indians of Oklahoma

These rare prints, created by five members of the Kiowa Tribe, reflect the complicated nature of Indigenous self-representation in an era dominated by white aesthetic values and a white art market. In the early 20th century, against the backdrop of the country’s increasing racial and ethnic diversity, both private collectors and public institutions showed a growing interest in “authentic” Indigenous art. Reproduced using a stencil technique called pochoir, each image documents rich details of Kiowa ceremonial life. The individually signed works, created for a thriving international art market, contrast with traditional collective art practices among Native communities. Though this publication was a product of white demand, these artists nonetheless ensured that their talents and the practices of their people became part of the historical record.