About Our Legacy and Artists
Our Legacy
Crafting Memories with Indigenous Heart
Lakota Arts and Crafts Enterprise is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Lakota people through our artistic creations. We combine tradition with creativity, ensuring that every product is not only beautiful but also meaningful. Our hand-carved memorials and artworks tell the stories of connection, love, and deep spiritual bond we share with our horses.
Alvin Ghost Elk Iron Cloud, a registered member of the Oglala Lakota, lives on the Pine Ridge reservation. He understands our spiritual connection to the horse and will embody this connection in the Spirit Horse created to honor your horse.
At 14, Alvin’s artistic journey began in a wood shop class when a vivid dream of a colorful painted horse inspired him to create. With a piece of wood, carving tools, and paint, he sculpted his first Spirit Horse. The horse wasn’t just a carving, but a glimpse of Alvin’s burgeoning artistic soul. This moment marked the start of his lifelong career. Fueled by endless creativity, Alvin expanded his craft to drawing, carving, and painting, turning his art into a constant exploration of his dreams, visions, and imagination of the horse — his true passion and purpose.
Alvin will need photographs of your horse to create your horse's memorial. Your own horse's hair can be used to for your Spirit Horse's mane and tail.
If you have any questions, please email us at info@lakotaartsandcraftsenterprise.com.
Alvin in his Workshop
Alvin creating Spirit Horses in his workship on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The woodstove belonged to his grandmother and is over 100 years old.
Moqui
Alvin's Custom Memorials
I adopted Moqui as a yearling from the Adopt-a-Wild-Horse program. She spent her first year with a wild horse herd on the Red Desert in Wyoming. She was a character, an escape artist, and a wonderfully fun horse. I miss her. Alvin captured her noble, free spirit!
Honoring a Loved Draft Horse
No matter what breed your horse was, Alvin can create the perfect memorial.
Custom designed horse based on Lakota ledger drawings.
Alvin created this Spirit Horse on a commission. The recipient of the gift loves the ledger drawings created by the Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho and requested that Alvin include symbols that were significant to him.
The horse was decorated with red hand prints. Red Cloud gave permission to Alvin's grandfathers, who were holy men, to use these handprints before going into the Battle of Greasy Grass (Little Big Horn.)
If you closely at the horse's black markings, you will discover running bison and horses, bison skulls, a turtle and even the portrait of a Lakota warrior.
The horse also has carved feathers tied to its nosepiece.
Finally, the red base and its surrounding teepees symbolize the Red Road, the life path of indigenous people.
Join Us in Celebrating Heritage
Be Part of Our Story
Together, let's honor the spirit of your horse and the traditions of the Lakota. Discover how art can transform memories into cherished treasures.
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