Nationality
American, Oglala Lakota
Artist Dates
b. 1964
Preview
Date of Work
ca. 2025
Medium
Leather, Glass Beads, Cotton
Height
29" with tassels and strap
Width
9 1/2"
Depth
3"
Collection/Provenance
Contemporary Indigenous Art Collections: Student Government Collection
Status
Displayed
Location
Memorial Union Gallery
Artist Bio
Brenda DuBray, an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Her journey into beadwork began at the age of eight, when one of her older sisters introduced her to the art form. Encouraged by her mother, Susie, Brenda—along with her siblings—was taught not only to bead, but also to carry forward the tradition by sharing it with future generations.
Brenda finds joy in designing and creating unique patterns for her beadwork. Her work is especially inspired by her deep love for horses, which can be seen on her full-size cradleboards—a reflection of her her passion for riding, which she cherished growing up. Her work is rooted in traditional Lakota beadwork styles, blending cultural heritage with personal expression.
Today, Brenda lives in Allen, South Dakota, where she continues to bead and has passed the tradition on to her daughter, ensuring the artistry and legacy of Lakota beadwork lives on.
Additional Information
Hand beaded horseshoe shaped purse with blue, yellow, and orange beads.
Condition
Excellent
