About Our Legacy and Artists
Alvin Ghost Elk Iron Cloud — Oglala Lakota Artist
Spirit Horse Memorials — What They Are
Lakota Arts and Crafts Enterprise proudly partners with Alvin Ghost Elk Iron Cloud, a registered member of the Oglala Lakota living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Alvin is the artist who creates all custom Spirit Horse memorials available through this site.
Alvin’s work is rooted in relationship — with horses, with community, and with his heritage. His carvings are shaped by hand, guided by intention, and informed by both traditional Lakota forms and his own artistic journey.
Spirit Horse memorials are custom carvings created to commemorate a horse and honor the bond shared with them. They are inspired by traditional Lakota horse dance sticks, which were historically carved to acknowledge horses lost in the hunt or in battle.
Alvin draws on this inspiration to create each memorial as a contemporary work that expresses presence, partnership, and remembrance. Each piece is shaped by hand and reflects the stories and qualities of the horse it honors.
How Alvin’s Artistic Journey Began
Alvin’s connection to art began at 14, when a vivid dream of a colorful horse inspired his first Spirit Horse carving. With wood, tools, and imagination, he shaped that early piece — not as decoration, but as a glimpse into a lifelong artistic purpose.
Since then, Alvin has expanded his craft to drawing, carving, and painting, continually exploring form and meaning through horses — his true passion and purpose.
The Workshop and Process
Alvin works in his own studio on the Pine Ridge Reservation. His tools, his space, and even the woodstove warmed by his grandmother’s stove (over 100 years old) are part of the creative environment.
For custom memorials, Alvin may ask clients for photographs of their horse. Your own horse’s hair can be incorporated into the mane and tail when appropriate. This helps carry memory into the physical form.
Moqui
Alvin's Custom Memorials
A beloved horse raised partly in the wild, Moqui’s free spirit and character are reflected in this memorial carving.
Honoring a Loved Draft Horse
No matter the breed, Alvin’s carvings capture relationship and presence with care.
Custom designed horse based on Lakota ledger drawings.
This piece incorporates ledger-style symbols — running buffalo, warriors, and a turtle — at a client’s request, showing how cultural elements can personalize a memorial.
Join Us in Celebrating Heritage
Alvin’s work isn’t just about form — it’s about connection and memory. Whether you are exploring Spirit Horse memorials or learning about Lakota art, we invite you to discover how art can transform memories into cherished treasures.
If you have questions about a custom memorial, or would like to share photos and stories of your horse, please contact us at info@lakotaartsandcraftsenterprise.com.