Diane Tells His Name

Oglala Lakota Doll Artist Diane Tells His Name has been crafting dolls, stitching beadwork and creating other art since childhood.

After raising five children and rediscovering her Lakota heritage, Diane returned to college at age 45. 

After completing her education she spent eight years working as an Artifact Collection Manager and Tribal Research Librarian for a Tribal Museum in San Diego where exposure to the history and beauty of the collections rekindled her interest in her own art.

Since that time, Diane has focused on making dolls that are historically meaningful. Many of the dolls she creates come with a story. Each has a name and unique personality.

Diane’s handmade dolls have been awarded many accolades, exhibited in numerous museums, and she has produced limited editions for sale in museum shops and art galleries across the United States and are popular among both doll and Native Art collectors. Honors include: 

• Native American Artist’s Showcase, Ottawa Cultural Center in Kansas, Summer 2015.

• Exhibitions in several Montana and South Dakota museums during Summer 2014.

• Diane’s original Medallion Woman Doll was exhibited at the San Diego Native Artists Show in April 2005 and accessioned into the Gene Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles.

• The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian accessioned one of Diane’s earliest creations, Fur Trader’s Granddaughter, in 2010.

• Two dolls were chosen for the Horse in American Indian Culture Exhibit, May Gallery at the University of San Diego, Spring 2015. Bluebird was accessioned into their permanent collection.

Diane leads frequent Doll Making and Native American Information Workshops and welcomes inquiries for booking engagements.

Diane lives in North San Diego County with her husband of many years. Her five grown children and eleven grandchildren all live nearby. Family, powwows, herb gardening and involvement in the San Diego Native Community all add up to a very full and interesting life! Diane is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Diane's dolls and other creations are also available in her Etsy Shop LoneElkCreations.

 Dolls by Diane Tells His Name