James Auchiah facts for kids

James Auchiah (1906–1974) was a talented Kiowa painter. He was one of the famous group known as the Kiowa Six from Oklahoma.

Early Life and Art Beginnings

James Auchiah was born on November 17, 1906. His birthplace was in Oklahoma Territory, near what is now Meers and Medicine Park, Oklahoma. His Kiowa name was Tsekoyate, which means "Big Bow." His father was Mark Auchiah. His grandfathers were Chief Satanta and Red Tipi. Red Tipi was a medicine man and an artist who created Ledger art.

James went to government schools. At these schools, he was not encouraged to learn about his Kiowa culture. For example, in 1890, soldiers stopped the Kiowa tribe from performing their most spiritual dance, the Sun Dance. After this, the tribe did not try to perform the dance again.

Auchiah first studied art at St. Patrick's Indian Mission School in Anadarko, Oklahoma. His teacher was Sister Olivia Taylor, a Choctaw nun. James loved art so much that he was once caught painting in elementary school. As a punishment, his teacher made him finish his painting instead of eating dinner. Young James said he was fine with that, saying, "I would rather paint than eat."

Discovering Young Kiowa Artists

In 1920, a government worker named Susan Peters noticed the artistic skills of several young Kiowa people. They lived near Anadarko, Oklahoma. She saw them drawing on feed bags while their parents waited for supplies.

Susan Peters helped four young Kiowa artists. Later, James Auchiah joined them. She helped them get into art classes at the University of Oklahoma. Peters also arranged for Mrs. Willie Baze Lane, an artist from Chickasha, Oklahoma, to teach them more about art.

Recognizing their special talent, Peters convinced Oscar Jacobson, who was the director of the University of Oklahoma's School of Art, to accept these Kiowa students. They joined a special art program. There, they were taught and encouraged by Edith Mahier.

The Kiowa Six Artists

The group known as the Kiowa Six included six artists. These were Spencer Asah, James Auchiah, Jack Hokeah, Stephen Mopope, Lois Smoky Kaulaity, and Monroe Tsatoke. James Auchiah was the last artist to join the group at the University of Oklahoma in 1926.

International Recognition

The Kiowa Six first became famous in the art world at the 1928 First International Art Exposition in Prague, Czechoslovakia. In January 1927, Dr. Oscar B. Jacobson, who directed the School of Art at the University of Oklahoma, invited the artists to live in Norman. He wanted to teach them.

With Dr. Jacobson's help, they improved their skills. They also kept their own unique art style. Jacobson organized an exhibit of their art at the University. After that, their art was shown in other places. Their work gained national attention in November 1927 at a meeting of the American Federation of Arts.

Later, they traveled around the country, showing their art. Art critics noticed their work more and more. In 1928, their art was shown at an art festival in Prague, Czechoslovakia. The Kiowa paintings became very popular around the world. By the 1930s, many of the Kiowa painters were asked to create art for different events.

Honoring a Grandfather

James Auchiah's grandfather was Chief Satanta. Chief Satanta was arrested after a conflict in 1871. He was sentenced to prison. After some time, he was released but later arrested again. He died in prison and was buried there by others.

Eighty-five years after his death, James and his family were finally allowed to move Satanta's remains. This happened after a long legal process. It was a big victory for the family. They could move the great chief from a simple grave to a more honored one.

Before Satanta was laid to rest in his new grave, James performed a special Kiowa ceremony. During the ceremony, cedar dust and gray granite dust were sprinkled on a fire. This fire was built at the end of the chief's grave. This ritual was done to ensure Chief Satanta would have a happy journey to his new resting place.

Later Life and Career

During the 1920s and 1930s, Auchiah painted large murals. These murals can be seen at the Oklahoma Historical Society, St. Patrick's Mission School, and the United States Department of the Interior.

As James Auchiah continued to paint, he started to include more images from the Native American Church. He was a leader in this church. His art became more unique, symbolic, and imaginative.

During World War II, he joined the US Coast Guard. Later, he taught art. He also worked as an illustrator for the US Department of the Interior. Auchiah also worked at the US Army Artillery and Missile Center Museum in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was a curator there, which means he helped take care of the museum's collections.

Where to See His Art

You can find James Auchiah's artwork in many public art collections. Some of these places include:

Death

James Auchiah passed away in Carnegie, Oklahoma on December 28, 1974. Sometimes, his death year is listed as 1975.

See also

• List of Native American artists
• Visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas