The Artist 

Wakeah Jhane is a self taught ledger artist from the Penatʉka & Yaparʉhka bands of Nʉmʉnʉʉ (Comanche) as well as Gaúigú (Kiowa). The late Wakeah Hoaway (1914-2010) of her maternal family gifted and passed down her own name to Wakeah prior to birth in the traditional Nʉmʉ way. Her name means “finds lost things” or “searching on horseback.”

Wakeah Jhane was born and raised in the Native Art world. Growing up she was always fascinated with many art forms, two of the strongest being Cradleboards and Ledger art. As she attended many art shows she would go booth to booth visiting with different artists admiring the uniqueness of their work. As Wakeah grew older, her passion for ledger art only grew stronger as well as her friendships with the artists. Soon the ledger artists she visited with became her strongest mentors and great friends who motivationally encouraged her to try the style of artwork herself. Wakeah’s passion is to create Art That Speaks to the hearts, minds and souls of those who come across her work. Sharing real depictions of indigenous life, motherhood, birth, family and womanhood. Wakeah Jhane is also a mother to two beautiful children who’s lives she prioritizes and puts above all else.

 "I feel my art is my voice. The paintings I create are from my own personal perspectives, experiences and interests. My ideas, dreams and experiences are perceived better through my artwork rather than being spoken."

  -WJ