J. Eric Smith
Chickasaw Bowyer, Artist, Author & Cultural Teacher
Featured Artist July 2020
J. Eric Smith
Chickasaw Bowyer, Artist, Author
& Cultural Teacher
Featured Artist July 2020
Eric Smith, Chickasaw, is a well-recognized bowyer, archery historian, and teacher in the art of making traditional bows and arrows used by the plains Indians. In 1984, Eric began researching the craft of making traditional Native American bows and arrows. His ability to teach the craft of bow making is recognized by many sovereign nations and the U.S. government. Eric’s bows and arrows represent accurate replicas from several North American tribes and have been used to harvest one of North America’s largest game animals the bison. Eric’s bows and arrows are found in museums and galleries across the globe.
As an instructor at Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Eric created and taught the history of Native American archery and bow and arrow making. This is the only class taught on these subjects in the history of a school operating under the direction of the Bureau of Indian Education. In addition to teaching at Riverside, he has taught his craft to many Native American youth from reservations across the United States.
In December 2015, Eric’s bows and arrows were featured in an Academy Award winning film “The Revenant”. After the completion of the Revenant project, another production company, HBO, requested numerous bows and arrows for a mini series titled “Lewis and Clark”, which will air soon. Currently, Eric is making archery equipment for another film “The Chickasaw Rancher”, which is in production. Eric lives in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Gallery: Crafts by Eric Smith
ABOUT THE CHICKASAW NATION
The Chickasaw Nation is a federally -recognized Native American nation of more than 68,000 citizens. Tribal government headquarters are located in Ada, Oklahoma. Bill Anoatubby is Governor of the Chickasaw Nation.
The Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage.
Since the 1980s, tribal government has focused efforts on building an economically diverse base to generate funds that will support programs and services to Indian people. Business has flourished, programs and services have grown, and the quality of life for all Chickasaws has been greatly enhanced.
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