List of Indigenous artists of the Americas

This is a list of visual artists who are Indigenous peoples of the Americas, categorized by primary media. Mestizo and Métis artists whose indigenous descent is integral to their art are included, as are Siberian Yup'ik artists due to their cultural commonalities with Alaskan Yup'ik people. This list includes notable visual artists who are Inuit, Alaskan Natives, Siberian Yup'ik, American Indians, First Nations, Métis, Mestizos, and Indigenous peoples of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Indigenous identity is a complex and contested issue and differs from country to country in the Americas. Inclusion to this list is based on legal membership to an Indigenous community, when applicable, or recognition by the relevant indigenous community/communities of the individual as a member of that community.

Basket makers

Elsie Allen, Cloverdale Pomo, 1899–1990
Annie Antone, Tohono O'odham
Carrie Bethel, Mono Lake Paiute, 1898–1974
Mary Holiday Black, Navajo, c. 1934–2022
Loren Bommelyn, Smith River Tolowa
Nellie Charlie, Mono Lake Paiute, 1867–1965
Kelly Church, Potawatomi/Odawa-Ojibwe
Delores Churchill, Haida
Mike Dart, Cherokee Nation, born 1977
Florence Davidson, Haida, Canada, 1896–1993
Mavis Doering, Cherokee Nation, 1929–2007
Joe Feddersen, Colville, born 1953
Iva Honyestewa, Hopi/Navajo
Terrol Dew Johnson, Tohono O'odham
Yvonne Walker Keshick, Anishinaabe born 1946
Louisa Keyser (Datsolalee), Washoe, c. 1829/1850–1925
Kikisoblu (Princess Angeline), Lushootseed, c. 1820–1896
Julia Marden, Aquinnah Wampanoag
Mabel McKay, Pomo/Patwin, 1907–1993
Geo Soctomah Neptune, Passamaquoddy
Essie Parrish, Kashaya Pomo, 1902–1979
Christine Navarro Paul, Chitimacha, 1874-1946
Boeda Strand, Snohomish
Lucy Telles, Mono Lake Paiute/Yosemite Miwok, c. 1885–1955
Dawn Nichols Walden, Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, born 1949

Beadwork and quillwork artists

Tahnee Ahtoneharjo-Growingthunder, Kiowa/Muscogee/Seminole^[1]
Richard Aitson, Kiowa/Kiowa Apache, born 1953
Marcus Amerman, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Imogene Goodshot Arquero, beadwork artist^[2]
Martha Berry, Cherokee Nation
Chipeta, Kiowa Apache, 1843/4–1924
Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty, Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux, born 1969
Teri Greeves, Kiowa, born 1970
Carla Hemlock, Mohawk
Vanessa Paukeigope Jennings, Kiowa/Kiowa Apache/Gila River Pima, born 1952
Maude Kegg, Ojibwe, 1904–1986
Yvonne Walker Keshick, Grand Traverse Ottawa-Ojibwe, born 1946
Katrina Mitten, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma beadwork artist
Melissa Peter-Paul, Mi'kmaw quill worker from Abegweit First Nation, Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island
Emily Waheneka, Warm Springs/Wasco/Northern Paiute, 1919–2008

Ceramic artists

Aguilar Family, Santo Domingo Pueblo
Mrs. Ramos Aguilar, Santo Domingo Pueblo
Tammie Allen, Jicarilla Apache
Asuncion Aguilar Cate, Santo Domingo Pueblo
Crucita Gonzales Calabaza (Blue Corn), San Ildefonso Pueblo
Marie Chino, Acoma
Vera Chino, Acoma
Deborah Clashin, Hopi-Tewa, born 1928
Helen Quintana Cordero, Cochiti Pueblo, 1915–1994
Arthur and Hilda Coriz, Santo Domingo Pueblo
Juanita Suazo Dubray, Taos Pueblo
Anthony Durand, Picuris Pueblo
Felipita Aguilar Garcia, Santo Domingo Pueblo
Tammy Garcia, Santa Clara Pueblo, born 1969
Bill Glass Jr., Cherokee Nation
Rose Gonzales, Ohkay Owingeh
Margaret and Luther Gutierrez, Santa Clara Pueblo
Michael Kanteena, Laguna Pueblo
Lucy M. Lewis, Acoma Pueblo
Joseph Lonewolf, Santa Clara Pueblo
Julian Martinez, San Ildefonso Pueblo
Maria Montoya Martinez (Poveka), San Ildefonso Pueblo
Helen Naha, Hopi
Tyra Naha, Hopi, granddaughter of Helen Naha
Nampeyo, Hopi-Tewa, c. 1859–1942
Elva Nampeyo, Hopi
Fannie Nampeyo, Hopi
Dextra Nampeyo Quotskuyva, Hopi-Tewa
Nora Naranjo-Morse, Santa Clara Pueblo
Garnet Pavatea, Hopi-Tewa, (1915–1981)
Al Qöyawayma, Hopi
Jeri Redcorn, Caddo/Potawatomi, born c. 1940
Diego Romero, Cochiti Pueblo
Linda Sisneros, Santa Clara Pueblo
Merton Sisneros, Santa Clara Pueblo
Anita Suazo, Santa Clara Pueblo
Roxanne Swentzell, Santa Clara Pueblo
Margaret Tafoya, Santa Clara Pueblo, 1904–2001
Leonidas Tapia, Ohkay Owingeh
Faye Tso, Navajo, 1933–2004
Nathan Youngblood, Santa Clara Pueblo

Diverse cultural artists

David Moses Bridges (Passamaquoddy, 1962–2017), birchbark artist, canoe maker
William Commanda, Anishinaabe, Canada, born 1913, canoe maker
Nora Thompson Dean (Touching Leaves Woman), Delaware Tribe of Indians, 1907–1984
Ishi, Yahi (ca. 1860-1916), bowmaker and flintknapper
Vanessa Paukeigope Jennings, Kiowa/Apache/Pima, born 1952
Tomah Joseph (Passamaquoddy, 1837–1914), birchbark artist, canoe maker
Charles Littleleaf, Blackfoot/Warm Springs, flute maker
Tom Mauchahty-Ware, Kiowa/Comanche, 1946–2015, flute maker
Angelique Merasty, Woodland Cree, 1924–1996, birchbark biter
Scarface Charley, Modoc, c. 1851–1896
Hastings Shade, Cherokee Nation, 1941–2010, antler carver, marble- and gig-maker
Tommy Wildcat, Cherokee Nation/Natchez, flute and rattle maker, born 1967

Draftspeople

Artists who primarily work in drawing, including pastels.

Kenojuak Ashevak, Inuk, born 1927
Pitseolak Ashoona, Inuk, 1904/1907–1983
Roy Boney, Jr., Cherokee Nation, born 1978
Chafil Cheucarama, Wounaan, Panama
Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala, Quechua, c. 1535–after 1616
Aka Høegh, Greenlandic Inuk, born 1947
Tivi Etok, Inuk, born 1929
Alootook Ipellie, Inuk, 1951–2007
Helen Kalvak, Copper Inuit, 1901–1983
Siassie Kenneally, Inuk, 1969–2018
Daphne Odjig, Odawa-Potawatomi, born 1919
Ulayu Pingwartok, Inuk, 1904–1978
Tim Pitsiulak, Inuk, 1967–2016
Annie Pootoogook, Inuk, born 1969
Napachie Pootoogook, Inuk, 1938–2002
Mary Pudlat, Inuk, 1923–2001
Pudlo Pudlat, Inuk, 1916–1992
Moses Stranger Horse, Brulé Lakota, 1890–1941
Pablo Tac, Luiseño, 1822–1841
Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq, Inuk, born 1941
Francisco Toledo, Zapotec, Mexico, born 1940
Kakulu Saggiaktok, Inuk, 1940–2020
Nicotye Samayualie, Inuk, born 1983
Shanawdithit, Beothuk, Canada, c. 1801–1829
Angotigolu Teevee, Inuk, 1910–1967
Ningiukulu Teevee, Inuk, born 1963
Simon Tookoome, Inuk, 1934–2010
Elizabeth Woody, Navajo-Tenino (Warm Springs)-Wasco-Yakama, born 1959
Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, Haida, Canada, born 1954

Glass artists

Marcus Amerman, Choctaw, born 1959
Joe Feddersen, Colville, born 1953
Marianne Nicolson, PhD, Dzawada’enuxw, born 1969
Preston Singletary, Tlingit, born 1963

Installation artists

Natalie Ball, Klamath/Modoc, born 1980
Rebecca Belmore, Ojibway, Canada, born 1960
Raven Chacon, Navajo Nation, born 1977
Corky Clairmont, Salish-Kootenai, born 1946
Gerald Clarke, Cahuilla, born 1967
Lorenzo Clayton, Navajo, born 1950
Bonnie Devine, Serpent River First Nation
Greg A. Hill, Kanyen'kehaka Mohawk, Canada
Brian Jungen, Danezaa, Canada, born 1970
Truman Lowe, Ho-Chunk, 1940–2019
Cannupa Hanska Luger, Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara/Lakota, born 1979
James Luna, Luiseño, 1950–2018
Nora Naranjo Morse, Santa Clara Pueblo, born 1953
Marianne Nicolson, Dzawada’enuxw, Canada, born 1969
Charlene Teters, Spokane, born 1952
Marie Watt, Seneca Nation, born 1967
Richard Ray Whitman, Yuchi/Muscogee, born 1949
Holly Wilson (Delaware Nation/Cherokee, born 1968)

Metalsmiths and jewelers

Atsidi Sani, "Old Smith", Navajo, c. 1828–1918
Klee Benally, Navajo, born October 1975
Gail Bird, Kewa Pueblo-Laguna Pueblo
Gomeo Bobelu, Zuni (1964–2022)
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Cheyenne, born 1933
Charles Edenshaw, Haida, Canada, 1839–1920
Michael Horse, Yaqui-Mescalero Apache-Zuni-descent, born 1951
Yazzie Johnson, Navajo
Michael Kabotie, Hopi, 1942–2009
Charles Loloma, Hopi, 1921–1991
Bill Reid, Haida, Canada, 1920–1998
Emory Sekaquaptewa, Hopi, 1928–2007
Phillip Sekaquaptewa, Hopi, born 1956
Sequoyah, Cherokee, c. 1767–1843
Jay Simeon, Haida, Canada, born 1976
Tommy Singer, Navajo, born 1940
Orville Tsinnie, Diné, (1943–2017)

New media artists

Natalie Ball, Klamath/Modoc, born 1980
Nicholas Galanin, Tlingit/Unangax̂, born 1979
Rosemary Georgeson, Coast Salish/Sahtu multimedia artist
Skawennati, Mohawk multimedia and digital artist

Mixed-media artists

Melissa Melero-Moose (Northern Paiute/Modoc) mixed-media artist, curator

Painters

Performance artists

Natalie Ball, Klamath/Modoc, (born 1980)
Marcus Amerman, Choctaw, (born 1959)
Rebecca Belmore, Anishinaabe, Canada, (born 1960)
Gregg Deal, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, (born 1975)
Aníbal López, Maya, Guatemala, (born 1964)
James Luna, Luiseño, (born 1950)
Kent Monkman, Cree, Canada, (born 1965)
Mujeres Creando, Mestiza, Bolivia

Photographers

Dugan Aguilar, Paiute-Achomawi-Maidu (1947–2018)
Martín Chambi, Quechua, Peru (1891–1973)
Jennie Ross Cobb, Cherokee (1881–1959)
Jeremy Dennis, Shinnecock (born 1990)
Jean Fredericks, Hopi (1906–1990)
Luis González Palma, Mestizo, Guatemala (born 1957)
Shan Goshorn, Eastern Band Cherokee (1957–2018)
Benjamin Haldane, Tsimshian (1874–1941)
Sally Larsen, Apache-Alutiiq
L. Frank Manriquez, Tongva-Acjachemen
Lee Marmon, Laguna Pueblo (1925–2021)
Parker McKenzie, Kiowa (1897–1999)
Larry McNeil, Tlingit-Nisga'a (born 1955)
David Neel, Kwakwaka'wakw (born 1960)
Shelley Niro, Mohawk (born 1954)
Peter Pitseolak, Inuk (1902–1973)
Horace Poolaw, Kiowa (1906–1984)
Arthur Renwick, Haisla (born 1965)
Richard Throssel, Cree (1882–1933)
Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie, Muscogee Creek-Seminole-Navajo (born 1954)
Richard Ray Whitman, Yuchi-Muscogee Creek (born 1949)
Matika Wilbur, founder of Project 562, Swinomish-Tulalip (born 1984)
Will Wilson, Navajo (born 1969)

Printmakers

Germaine Arnaktauyok, Inuk, (born 1946)
Kenojuak Ashevak, Inuk, (born 1927)
Siasi Atitu, Inuk, (c.1896–1983)
T.C. Cannon (Pai-doung-u-day), Kiowa-Caddo-Choctaw
Corky Clairmont, Salish-Kootenai, (born 1946)
Santos Chávez, Mapuche, Chile, (1934–2001)
Lorenzo Clayton, Navajo, (born 1950)
Joe David, Nuu-chah-nulth, (born 1946)
Tivi Etok, Inuk, (born 1929)
Joe Feddersen, Colville, (born 1953)
R.C. Gorman, Navajo, (1932–2005)
Benjamin Harjo Jr., Shawnee-Seminole
Hachivi Edgar Heap of Birds, Cheyenne-Arapaho
Debora Iyall, Cowlitz, (born 1954)
Kiakshuk, Inuk, (1886–1966)
Iyola Kingwatsiak, Inuk, (1933–2000)
Terran Last Gun, Piikani Blackfoot, (born 1989)
James Lavadour, Walla Walla
Linda Lomahaftewa, Hopi-Choctaw, (born 1947)
Kavavaow Mannomee, Inuk, (born 1958)
America Meredith, Cherokee Nation, (born 1972)
Carlos Mérida, K'iche' Maya, (1891–1984)
Ohotaq Mikkigak, Inuk, (1936–2014)
Kellypalik Mungitok, Inuk, (born 1940)
Natsivaar, Inuk, (1919–1962)
Jessie Oonark, Inuk, (1906–1985)
Josie Pamiutu Papialuk, Inuk, (1918–1996)
Parr, Inuk, (1893–1969)
Sheouak Petaulassie, Inuk, (1918 or 1923–1961)
David Ruben Piqtoukun, Inuk, (born 1950)
Eegyvudluk Pootoogook, Inuk, (1931–2000)
Sharni Pootoogook, Inuk, (1922–2003)
Kananginak Pootoogook, Inuk, (born 1935)
Jay Simeon, Haida, Canada, (born 1976)
Jaune Quick-To-See Smith, Salish-Kootenai, Métis-Cree, Shoshone-Bannock
Joe Talirunili, Inuk, Canada, (c. 1893–1976)
Angotigolu Teevee, Inuk, (1910–1967)
Jamasie Teevee, Inuk, (1910–1985)
Ikayukta Tunnillie, Inuk, (1911–1980)
Arthur Vickers, Tsimshian-Heiltsuk, Canada, (born 1947)
Roy Henry Vickers, Tsimshian-Haida-Heiltsuk, (born 1946)
Tania Willard, Secwepemc nation
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, Gitxsan, (born 1972)
Melanie Yazzie, Navajo, (born 1966)
Alejandro Mario Yllanes, Aymara, Bolivia, (1913–1960)

Sculptors

Artists primarily working in antler, bone, metal, stone, and other materials, except wood. Sculptors working primarily in wood are listed below.

Latcholassie Akesuk, Inuk, (1919–2000)
Isa Paddy Aqiattusuk, Inuk, (1898–1954)
Kiugak Ashoona, Inuk, (1933–2014)
Blackbear Bosin, Kiowa/Comanche, (1921–1980)
Thue Christiansen Greenlandic Inuk, (born 1940)
Gerald Clarke, Cahuilla, (born 1967)
Lorenzo Clayton, Navajo, (born 1950)
Ennutsiak, Inuk, (1896–1967)
Lucassie Etungat, Inuk, (1951–?)
Joe Feddersen, Colville Okanagan-Sinixt, (born 1953)
Cliff Fragua, Jemez Pueblo
Tammy Garcia, Santa Clara Pueblo, (born 1969)
Jeffrey Gibson, Mississippi Choctaw/Cherokee, (born 1972)
Aka Høegh, Greenlandic Inuk, (born 1947)
Allan Houser (Haozous), Chiricahua Apache (1914–1994)
Bob Haozous, Chiricahua Apache, (born 1943)
Iola Abraham Ikkidluak, Inuk, (1936–2003)
Tivi Ilisituk, Inuk, (born 1933)
Charlie Inukpuk, Inuk, (born 1941)
Osuitok Ipeelee, Inuk, (1922–2005)
Davidee Itulu, Inuk, (1929–2006)
Kiakshuk, Inuk, (1886–1966)
Davidee Kavik, Inuk, (born 1915)
Floyd Kuptana, Inuk, (born 1964)
Truman Lowe, Ho-chunk, (1940–2019)
Edmonia Lewis, Mississauga Ojibwe, (c. 1844–1907)
Enook Manomie, Inuk, (1941–2006)
Andy Miki, Inuk, (1918–1983)
Nora Naranjo Morse, Santa Clara Pueblo (born 1953)
Adamie Niviaxie, Inuk, (borm 1925)
Maudie Rachel Okittuq, Inuk, (born 1944)
John Pangnark, Inuk, (1920–1980)
David Ruben Piqtoukun, Inuk, (born 1950)
Harvey Pratt, Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes (born 1941)
Lawney Reyes, Sinixt
Pauta Saila, Inuk, (c.1916–2009)
Ronald Senungetuk, Iñupiaq, (1933–2020)
Aqjangajuk Shaa, Inuk, (1937–2019)
Nick Sikkuark, Inuk, (1943–2013)
Charlie Sivuarapik, Inuk, (1911–1968)
Russell Spears, Narragansett (1917–2009)
Roxanne Swentzell, Santa Clara Pueblo (born 1962)
Ralph W. Sturges, Mohegan (1918–2007)
Joe Talirunili, Inuk, Canada, (c. 1893–1976)
Nalenik Temela, Inuk, (1939–2003)
John Tiktak, Inuk, (1916–1981)
Francisco Tito Yupanqui (1550–1616), sculptor
Bernadette Iguptark Tongelik, Inuk, (1931–1980)
Simon Tookoome, Utkusiksalingmiut Inuk, (1934–2010)
Mark Tungilik, Inuk, (?–1986)
Natar Ungalaaq, Inuk, (born 1959)
Marie Watt, Seneca Nation (born 1967)
Holly Wilson (Delaware Nation/Cherokee, born 1968)t

Textile artists

Malaya Akulukjuk, Inuk (1915–1995)
Natalie Ball, Klamath/Modoc (born 1980)
D.Y. Begay, Navajo (born 1953)
Florence Davidson, Haida, Canada (1896–1993)
Sarah Hardisty, Dene regalia maker, textile artist, and quillwork artist (1924–2014)
Hastiin Klah, Navajo (1867–1937)
Lily Hope, Tlingit (born 1983)
Ursala Hudson, Tlingit
Carla Hemlock, Mohawk (born 1961)
Julia Marden, Aquinnah Wampanoag
Arnulfo Mendoza, Zapotec (1954–2014)
Ardina Moore, Quapaw/Osage (1930–2022)
Dora Old Elk, Apsáalooke/Sioux (born 1977)
Jessie Oonark, Inuk (1906–1985)
Eric-Paul Riege, Navajo (born 1994)
Clarissa Rizal, Tlingit (1956–2016)
Marilou Schultz, Navajo (born 1954)
Clara Sherman (Nezbah), Navajo (born 1911)
Debra Sparrow, Musqueam weaver and jeweler
Jennie Thlunaut, Tlingit (1892–1986)

Woodcarvers

Frederick Alexcee, Tsimshian, (1853–1940s)
Dempsey Bob, Tahltan-Tlingit, (born 1948)
Dale Campbell, Tahltan, (born 1954)
Jesse Cornplanter, Seneca Nation, (1889–1957)
Amanda Crowe, Eastern Band Cherokee, (1928–2004)
Reg Davidson, Haida, (born 1954)
Robert Davidson, Haida, (born 1946)
Freda Diesing, Haida, (1925–2002)
Charles Edenshaw, Haida, (c. 1839–1920)
Walter Harris, Gitksan, (born 1931)
Bill Helin, Tsimshian
Babe Hemlock, Mohawk, (born 1961)
Calvin Hunt, Kwakwaka'wakw, (born 1956)
Henry Hunt, Kwakwaka'wakw, (born 1923)
Richard Hunt, Kwakwaka'wakw, (born 1951)
Tony Hunt, Kwakwaka'wakw, (born 1942)
Oswald Hussein, Lokono Arawak, (born 1946)
William Jeffrey, Tsimshian, (1899–?)
Gerry Marks, Haida
Mungo Martin, Kwakwaka'wakw, (1879–1962)
Tom Mauchahty-Ware, Kiowa-Comanche
Ellen Neel, Kwakwaka'wakw, (1916–1966)
Bill Reid, Haida, (1920–1998)
Norman Tait, Nisga'a, (born 1941)
Willie Seaweed, Kwakwaka'wakw
Terry Starr, Tsimshian, Canada, (born 1951)
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, Gitksan, (born 1972)
James Schoppert, Tlingit, (1947–1992)

References

^ Ahtoneharjo-Growingthunder, Tahnee (Fall 2017). "Seven Directions". First American Art Magazine (16): 16–17. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
^ "Fine Art and Outsiders: Attacking the Barriers". The New York Times. 9 February 1996. Retrieved 6 June 2017.

[1] Ahtoneharjo-Growingthunder, Tahnee (Fall 2017). "Seven Directions". First American Art Magazine (16): 16–17. Retrieved 17 February 2019.

[2] "Fine Art and Outsiders: Attacking the Barriers". The New York Times. 9 February 1996. Retrieved 6 June 2017.

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