Artist Bio: Marian Kaulaity Hansson (Kiowa)

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Spotted Wings is her Kiowa name from her mother’s side
Marian’s last name on her father’s side, Kaulaity translates to mean Wild Stallion

Marian Kaulaity Hansson, a member of the Kiowa Nation, was born in Lawton, Oklahoma to Christine Two Hatchet Kaulaity and Rickey Kaulaity. Marian’s maternal grandparents, James Two Hatchet and Lena Tainpeah Two Hatchet, were well-recognized for advising, helping and contributing to the Kiowa community; Marian’s paternal grandparents, Eugenia Hummingbird Mausape and Caddo Mausape, continually emphasized the importance of maintaining the Kiowa language and reminding future generations of children to know their Kiowa family history. After attending public school in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma she embarked on a remarkable pursuit of higher education, ultimately obtaining a Master’s Degree in Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma.

Marian received traditional artistic training from her talented mother, Christine Two Hatchet Kaulaity. Marian then devoted her time to learning crafting techniques of the Kiowa people and gathering knowledge and information from elders on her Kiowa heritage. Gifted with the Kiowa language, she translated stories, history and other information into English. She became the first American Indian Fellow at the Smithsonian Institution and as a pre-doctoral candidate, compiled all of their information about the Kiowa people into “A Guide to the Kiowa Collections at the Smithsonian Institution” that was published for use by researchers.

Marian first received national recognition and acclaim when her artistic clothing creations were featured in Mademoiselle Magazine. Since then, she has been involved in many art shows and programs across the nation. Marian’s designs were shown in The Indian Craft Shop’s “American Indian Influence in Fashion” show and her work has been represented at The Indian Craft Shop over the years.

Marian’s lifelong study of the Kiowa people’s dance customs, culture, clothing, use of colors and decorations, expanded to include study of all North American Indian cultures and histories. She feels it’s imperative to continue the arts as a way to and keep history and traditions alive, and she takes great pride in doing so.

Marian is the former Curator for the Museum Program for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.