Big Elk was born in Macy, Neb., of Omaha and Sioux descent. He attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he was a student of renowned Hopi potter Otellie Loloma. Big Elk’s work is on display in 41 museums, colleges and universities, as well as at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. His technique combined traditional methods that are thousands of years old with contemporary techniques. Some of his finished works are stonework only. Others are embellished with leather, beads, bone hairpipe, and horsehair. Big Elk conducted frequent workshops and demonstrations, including in the Native American Educational and Cultural Center at Crazy Horse, teaching the origins, ancient symbols, and techniques of pottery making. Big Elk died January 5, 2001.

The Robert Big Elk Exhibit is located on the lower level of the Native American Educational and Cultural Center.