"Rider with Spear & Two Horses" by Clara Archilta

"Rider with Spear & Two Horses" by Clara Archilta

This 24 ½” W x 20” H original watercolor by Clara Archilta, titled "Rider with Spear & Two Horses", exemplifies her distinctive portrayal of Indigenous life and traditions. The painting features a rider wielding a spear, accompanied by two horses, capturing a dynamic scene that reflects the cultural heritage of the Kiowa-Apache and Tonkawa peoples.

Clara Williams Archilta (1912–1994) was a self-taught artist renowned for her watercolor paintings and pictorial beadwork. Born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, to parents of Kiowa-Apache and Tonkawa descent, she began painting in 1957 to support her family after her husband's passing. Despite having no formal art training and overcoming a severe arm injury, Archilta became the first woman to exhibit a collection of paintings at the American Indian Exposition in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Her works have been displayed at institutions like the Philbrook Art Center and are included in the Bureau of Indian Affairs' collection in Anadarko. 

This original piece not only showcases Archilta's artistic talent but also serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting the rich traditions of her heritage. It's a valuable addition for collectors and enthusiasts of Native American art.

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