About our team

Our team is a vibrant and diverse collective of individuals, each deeply committed to preserving and sharing the rich traditions, knowledge, and values of Lakota culture. We come together with a shared passion for honoring the resiliency of our ancestors while bringing this wisdom into the modern world through art. Each team member contributes their unique skills, perspectives, and craftsmanship to the creation of high-quality, handmade products. Through collaboration and dedication, we work to keep cultural practices alive, while offering a window into the beauty and depth of Lakota traditions for a broader audience.

CURRENT PRODUCTION

in Partnership with 3 FEATHERS STARQUILTS

Black and white image of a quilt with a label reading 'Oyayte Studio.' The quilt has a geometric pattern, and there are dried grasses in the foreground.

Star quilt making is one of the most significant and cherished art forms among Native American communities, particularly in the Northern Plains, but also among other tribes across North America. Like many other Indigenous arts, quilt making goes beyond just a craft; it is an expression of cultural identity, personal story, and spiritual significance. Star quilts are more than just decorative pieces—they represent history, family, spirituality, and community.

Colorful geometric quilt with vibrant patterns in red, orange, purple, blue, and green.

Quilt with red, black, and white diamond pattern on a wooden ladder

Star quilts hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning for many Native American groups, especially among the Lakota, Dakota, and other Plains tribes. The act of creating a quilt is often a way of preserving and honoring traditions and connecting with ancestral knowledge.

Quilts are often used in important life ceremonies, such as weddings, births, and funerals. They are gifts that represent love, respect, and a commitment to the well-being of the recipient. For instance, a star quilt might be presented to someone as a form of honoring, or it might be given to a bride as part of the wedding ceremony. These quilts are not just material gifts; they carry emotional and spiritual weight, as the time and effort invested in creating them represents a deep bond between the giver and the recipient.

Meet the Team