National Anthropological Archives

Guide to the Wolf Robe Hunt papers, 1930-1979

Summary

Collection ID:
NAA.1979.0402
Creators:
Hunt, Wolf Robe, 1905-1977
Dates:
1930-1979
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
7.93 Linear feet
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
The papers collected here relate to the life and work of Wayne Wolf Robe Hunt, a full-blood Acoma Indian (1905-1977). Born on the Acoma Reservation, Wolf Robe was the son of Chief Day Break (Edward Proctor Hunt), Chief of the Delight Makers -- a man instrumental in the improvement of relations between the Acomas and whites. His mother, Morning Star, whose own father was Governor of Acoma seven times, was a potter and weaver. Wolf Robe learned silver-smithing from his older brother on the reservation.
Wolf Robe achieved recovnition and fame for his jewelry and art work, winning the prestigious Philbrook Art Center's Grand Award in 1967. In addition, he was a businessman, with his own arts and crafts store in Tulsa, a lecturer, international traveller, author, and translator for the Bureau of American Ethnology. He assited L. A. White in his extensive studies of the Acoma Indians and made recordings for the National Anthropological Archives. Wolf Robe was particularly interested in the preservation of tribal customs, language and culture, and devoted his own time to this and the encouragement of others in similar efforts. Of his work at BAE he said, "My work there as an interpreter is the highlight of my efforts in trying to preseve all of the rich and wholesome lore of my people."* Not only was the preservation of the 'old ways' important to Wolf Robe, but also the representation and dissemination of his culture to whites, in an effort to promote their understanding and appreciation. He travelled all over Europe and to Australia for the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce, representing the American Indian to an appreciative audience. Much of the incoming correspondence stems from his travels, as do many of the "publicity" photographs. This collection contains the personal and business papers of a man successfully part of two worlds. Married to a white woman, and devoted to representing, at home and abroad, his tribe and all Indians to whites, Wolf Robe managed to keep close to his tribal world, and actively promoted the preservation and revitalization of his cultural heritage. *From a biographical sketch, written by Wolf Robe in 1957 Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Biographical Note

Biographical Note
Father: Edward Proctor Hunt (Chief Day Break)
Mother: Morning Star
Brothers: Wilbert Edward Hunt (Blue Sky Eagle), Allen J. Hunt, Irvin Hunt, Alfred Hunt, Clyde Hunt (Sunny Skies)
Sisters: Evelyn Hunt Orcutt, Ida Hunt Eduriger, Josephine Hunt Johnson
Daughter: LoWayne Hunt Craig (Lo Way Ne Ma)
Grandchildren: William Bryce Cadion, Carmen LoWayne Craig
Chronology of Wolf Robe Hunt
1905
Born October 14, on the Acoma Reservation, New Mexico
1932
Married Glenal Davis
1933
Daughter Lo Way Ne Ma (LoWayne) born
1936
Opened arts and crafts studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma
1937
Director of Indian Dances, Boy Scout Circus Pageant St. Louis, Missouri
1953
Indian Arts and Crafts Director, Philbrook Art Center
1963
Published Dancing Horses of Acoma (illustrator, co-author)
1964
Trip to Germany for the Department of Agriculture
1965-1969
Traveled for the Department of Commerce as part of the "Made in America" tours
1967
Grand Award at Philbrook Art Center
1970
Trip to Hawaii
1973
Oklahoma's Outstanding Indian of the Year
1974
Waite Phillips Victory Trophy at Philbrook Art Center for support and encouragement of other Indian artists
1977
Died

Administration

Author
Jill McC. Watson and Judith S. Engelberg
Processing Information
Processed by Jill McC. Watson, April 1980
Finding aid by Judith S. Engelberg, August 1992
Encoded by Zac Greenfield, March 2018
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The papers of Wayne Wolf Robe Hunt (1905-1977) were donated to the National Anthropological Archives in 1979 by his widow, Glenal Davis Hunt, in accordance with his wishes.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Access
Literary property rights to unpublished portions of the collection have been given to the public.
The Wolf Robe Hunt Papers are open for research. Access to the Wolf Robe Hunt Papers requires an appointment.
Preferred Citation
Wolf Robe Hunt papers, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Conditions Governing Use
Contact repository for terms of use.

National Anthropological Archives
Museum Support Center
4210 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, Maryland 20746
naa@si.edu