Keeper of the Plains
The Keeper of the Plains is a beautiful statue and landmark in Wichita, Kansas. It is at the place where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers meet. The statue is 44 feet tall, and its design is based on the culture of the local Native Americans. It is a symbol of Wichita’s rich cultural history and a sign of how proud and strong the people of the city are.
The Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin came up with the idea for the statue. He was born in 1921 on the Kiowa Indian Reservation in Oklahoma. In 1940, he moved to Wichita and became a well-known artist there. Bosin’s goal was to create a monument that would represent the native American culture and history of the region.
When it was built in 1974, the Keeper of the Plains quickly became one of Kansas’s most well-known landmarks. The statue stands on a drum-shaped pedestal that is 30 feet tall. The pedestal is surrounded by a plaza and a water garden, which makes it a peaceful place for people to enjoy.
The statue depicts a Native American warrior holding a burning torch. The torch is a symbol of the spirit of the Wichita people because it has a flame that will never go out. The statue is positioned in such a way that it faces the east, which is the direction of the rising sun. This position is significant because it represents new beginnings, hope, and renewal.
During the summer, people who go to the Keeper of the Plains can see a unique and beautiful show of lights and music. A ring of fire made up of 24 natural gas jets shines light on the sculpture. When it gets dark, the fire is lit, and it burns brightly until midnight. Native American flute music is used to make a beautiful melody that goes with the show.
The Keeper of the Plains is not only a beautiful sculpture, but also a symbol of unity and diversity. The statue shows how the Wichita, Osage, and Kaw tribes, who used to live in the area, joined together. It shows that people from different backgrounds and cultures can work together to make something beautiful and important.
The Keeper of the Plains is an important landmark for the city of Wichita. It gives the people of the city a sense of pride and reminds them of the rich cultural history of the area. Since the statue has stood the test of time and natural disasters, it has become a symbol of how strong and determined the city is.
In 1993, a flood devastated Wichita, and the Keeper of the Plains was severely damaged. The whole city worked together to fix up the statue, and in 1995, it was ready for the public again. The restoration effort was a testament to the city’s resilience and determination, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural landmarks for future generations.
The Keeper of the Plains is a popular place for tourists to visit. People come from all over the world to see it. The statue is right in the middle of Wichita, making it easy to get to by car, bike, or on foot. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the river, or they can take a tour of the statue and learn about its history and significance.
In conclusion, the Keeper of the Plains is a beautiful sculpture that stands for Wichita, Kansas’s rich cultural history. It represents the merging of different tribes and cultures, and it serves as a reminder of the city’s resilience and determination. The statue is a source of pride for the city’s people, and it is a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from all over the world. The Keeper of the Plains shows how people from different places can work together to make something beautiful and important. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in art, culture, and history.