We took a drive into Wichita to do some
sightseeing, but between impossible traffic and worse parking we had
about given up when we found the Mid-America All Indian Center. What
an amazing place. Its a large place – we never even made it into
the gift shop, where they had some amazing art, baskets, and pottery.
Part of the interior is a large open area and is used as a venue for
tribal gatherings as well as displays of ceremonial dress,
photographs, flags of all the different tribes, and other
information. Outdoors were paths leading around the gardens with
Native American artwork tucked away here and there to be enjoyed in
the quiet, peaceful setting . All this led to a large display the
center of which was a magnificent sculpture the “Keeper of the
Plains” by Blackbear Bosin. “Blackbear
Bosin, a Kiowa-Comanche Indian, born in 1921, at Anadarko, OK,
continues to be recognized among the greatest of Indian Artists. His
design of the sculpture, the "Keeper of the Plains" has
become a symble for the City of Wichita and the focal point of the
Sedgewick County Seal. He was also a founding member of the Board of
Trustees of the Mid-America All-Indian Center.
The
Keeper of the Plains is a 43 foot tall, five ton Cor-Ten steel
Sculpture. The sculpture, commissioned by the city and private
organizations to mark the United States Bicentennial, was erected in
1974. It has since become one of Wichita's most recognized and
beloved symbols.” From a sign at the Mid-America
All-Indian Center
We
had planned on visiting the Eisenhower Library in Abilene but I
wasn't feeling well so we decided to try it next time we're in the
area. We did the usual laundry, cleaned, baked bread, and got
groceries, but nothing exciting or particularly interesting although
we did see some spectacular sunsets during our stay. Somehow, neither
of us are particularly interested in getting back to Florida except
to see our kids and grands.
Next
stop is Hawthorne Bluff, Oolagah, Oklahoma.
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