Where to Find Native American Art in Texas

Some 30 miles northeast of El Paso lies an 860-acre park of rocky, ancient hills that jut toward the sky. 

Long ago, the rainwater that collected in these basins created an oasis for thirsty people making their way across the harsh landscape. And the marks of those people still remain: Pictographs of animals, birds, deities, and weapons, some of them thousands of years old, dance across the rocky walls. For the modern-day visitor, the ancient artworks at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site and other sites provide a powerful connection to the past. 

“Native American art” often refers to paintings, textiles, pottery, jewelry, and other works created by people indigenous to the Americas. It’s an incredibly broad term that encompasses thousands of years: If you’re interested in experiencing Native American art, you might be drawn to historic sites like Hueco Tanks, but you’ll also find that there are plenty of amazing contemporary Native American artists and craftspeople worth exploring, too. Fortunately, Texas has no shortage of museums, rockfaces, and galleries where you can learn more.  

Ancient Artifacts 

Hueco Tanks and the area surrounding Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site are mystifying examples of wonderfully preserved ancient indigenous rock art. 

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
People come from all over Texas to hike, rock climb, and experience nature at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site in El Paso. This expansive natural area is home to 3,000 rock paintings, some of which depict scenes from early hunter-gatherer civilizations while others chronicle natives’ contact with Europeans. Hueco Tanks is open year-round and offers guided and self-guided tours — but, in an attempt to better protect the history etched on the walls here, the park caps the number of people who can access the area at a time. So it’s a good idea to make your reservations in advance. And, if you’re looking to spend a little more time here, be sure to check out the park’s camping and picnic area offerings. Call 512.389.8911 to reserve a guided or self-guided tour.

Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site 
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, located in Comstock, boasts ancient art in a 2,000-plus-acre park characterized by craggy terrain and deep canyons. The park currently offers a guided tour to the Fate Bell Shelter, an enormous rock shelter home to several well-preserved pictographs. You don’t have to book a tour in advance, but keep an eye on the schedule to ensure you don’t come on an off-day. In addition to its historic wonders, Seminole Canyon is also an excellent place to hike, mountain bike, and camp. Check the schedule here.

Rock Art Foundation White Shaman Preserve of the Witte Museum
If you head about a mile and a half past the entrance to Seminole Canyon State Park, you’ll land at the gates of the Witte Museum Rock Art Foundation White Shaman Preserve. The Witte Museum offers tours here, granting visitors the opportunity to view the rare white-paint pictographs of White Shaman, as well as other notable spots in the area. Tours take place weekly, cost $15 per non-member adult, and must be booked in advance. Book here.

Modern Art

As you seek more modern examples of native art, it’s important to be respectful. Remember that millions of Native Americans live in the U.S. today. Avoid supporting people who profit from selling or showcasing stolen native artifacts or items. When in doubt, opt to visit cultural centers and museums run by members of native tribes or with their support. Learn more about repatriation of native art here.

Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center
A good example is the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center, located in El Paso. The Center hosts performances by the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Social Dancers and bread-baking demonstrations, during which members of the tribe make bread using traditional techniques. The Center also includes a museum, which details the tribe’s history and culture, as well as a gift shop, where visitors can view and purchase traditional artwork, jewelry, and pottery. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is one of three federally recognized tribes in Texas. View performance and museum schedules here.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
In San Antonio, the Briscoe Western Art Museum hosts the annual Yanaguana Indian Arts Market, a gathering of more than 40 Native American artists who convene to showcase their work and educate visitors on culture and craft. The market will run Nov. 21 and 22 this fall and features artist demos, dancing, drumming, museum tours, and, of course, art — everything from pottery to painting to jewelry to beadwork. Additionally, the Briscoe Museum itself showcases art surrounding the evolution of the American West. Get more information here.

Indigenous Cultures Institute 
The Indigenous Cultures Institute, based in San Marcos, is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Coahuiltecan culture. It was founded in 2006 by members of the Miakan-Garza Band, one of the many native groups inhabiting Texas and Northeast Mexico. The Institute carries a variety of programs, including publishing platforms, booking services for speakers and performers, youth summer programs, and theatre. It also organizes the Sacred Springs Powwow, an annual event that boasts more than 100 dancers and a large market vending all manner of native crafts and artwork. This year’s event is scheduled for early October. Find more information here; find event information here.

The Austin Powwow & American Indian Heritage Festival
Powwows often present the opportunity to experience Native American culture and art firsthand. There are several of various sizes that take place throughout Texas. The Austin Powwow & American Indian Heritage Festival, scheduled for Nov. 7 this year, is a public-friendly event. In addition to arts-and-crafts vendors, dancing, and food, the Austin Powwow usually hosts storytelling, music, and artist panels. Find more information about this long-standing tradition here.

Whether you attend a powwow, visit a cultural center, or hike to a remote shelter brimming with ancient pictographs, remember that Native American art comes from a variety of cultures and traditions, spans thousands of years, and takes many different shapes. Whatever your intended experience, make the most of it by respectfully engaging with the artists who understand their craft, and culture, best. 

Discover more Texas art at these top 10 museums and 14 art galleries.

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