Kevin and Valerie Pourier are Oglala Lakota. Their home and studio are located on the Pine Ridge Reservation – Medicine Root District, just on the northern edge of the Badlands area of the reservation. The inspirational and material source of the Pourierʼs work is rightly ascribed to what also happens to be the Lakota Peopleʼs first name, Pte Oyate kin, the Buffalo People.  As partners, they are pleased to cultivate the idea that their work not only comes out of the lifeways of the People but is, moreover, a new cultural artform.  Each piece is hand-cut from buffalo horn, which is then carved and inlaid with stones.

This is a pair of star medallion earrings.  They are carved from buffalo horn and then inlaid with turquoise and mother of pearl shell to create the coloration.  They are signed, “K.P”.   He has won numerous awards for his work, including “Best of Show” at Santa Fe Indian Market in 2019.

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Pourier, Kevin

Kevin Pourier

Kevin and Valerie Pourier are Oglala Lakota. Their home and studio are located on the Pine Ridge Reservation - Medicine Root District, just on the beautiful northern edge of the Badlands area of the reservation. The inspirational and material source of the Pouriers' work is rightly ascribed to what also happens to be the Lakota Peopleʼs first name, Pte Oyate kin, the Buffalo People. As partners, they are pleased to cultivate the idea that their work not only comes out of the lifeways of the People but is, moreover, a new cultural art form.

Working collaboratively, they create elegant - wearable - sculptural forms made of buffalo horn. The horns are shaped, carved, and inlaid with semiprecious minerals. Traditionally, they also create contemporary Buffalo Horn spoons and cups. Many of which, have taken top awards at prestigious national art shows. It is no wonder that they're simple - yet highly refined art form is much sought after by museums, galleries, and art lovers the world over.

In the manner of the Lakota way, Kevin and Val have learned by doing. Their love for the life ways of the Lakota People, their love of the art of the many northern plains peoples - all have deepened their understanding and broadened their vision of what Lakota Art was, is, and could be. And throughout their journey, they have learned much that helps them to become better human beings.

Click here to see more work by Kevin Pourier