Michael Horse is a multidisciplinary Native American artist best known for his work as a jeweler, ledger painter, and actor. Of Yaqui, Mescalero Apache, Zuni Pueblo, and European heritage, Horse draws deeply from his Indigenous roots to create artwork that honors tradition while engaging with contemporary storytelling.
Born in Los Angeles, California in 1949, Michael Horse began making jewelry in the early 1970s, learning classic Southwestern silversmithing techniques from established Native artisans. His work features hand-fabricated silver, traditional stampwork, and stone inlay using natural turquoise, coral, jet, and shell. His jewelry is rooted in Navajo and Zuni traditions, often incorporating symbolic imagery—such as horses, dancers, or spirit figures—that reflect cultural pride and spiritual reverence.
In addition to jewelry, Horse is a recognized practitioner of ledger art—a form of narrative drawing that originated among Plains tribes in the 19th century. His modern ledger drawings are created on antique ledger paper using ink, pencil, and watercolor, portraying warriors, horses, ceremonies, and historical moments from a Native perspective. His ledger work is widely exhibited and contributes to the revitalization of this once-endangered art form.
Horse is also widely known for his work in film and television. He made his acting debut portraying Tonto in The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981) and gained widespread recognition for his role as Deputy Hawk in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. His on-screen presence and advocacy have helped increase visibility for Native voices in popular culture.
Michael Horse’s art has been exhibited at the Heard Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West, and numerous galleries and Native art markets across the country. He lives and works in California, where he continues to create jewelry and art that reflect his heritage, spirituality, and commitment to cultural continuity.