courtesy of Susan Howell

courtesy of Susan Howell

courtesy of Susan Howell

The Keeper of the Plains is a finalist for the 8 Wonders of Kansas because it is an awe-inspiring sculpture by well-known artist Blackbear Bosin that honors the region's original citizens and has become a symbol of Wichita!

On May 18, 1974 a ceremony took place to dedicate the Keeper of the Plains as a Wichita Bicentennial project. The majestic 44-foot sculpture was designed by Blackbear Bosin (1921-1980), a Kiowa-Comanche and internationally-
recognized artist, muralist and designer.

It was Bosin's gift to the city. The five-ton sculpture was placed at the confluence of the little and big Arkansas Rivers which is considered a sacred site by Native Americans and was home to the Wichita tribe for many years.

The 5-ton Keeper has recently undergone a renovation and now rests atop a new 30-foot pedestal facing east. The Keeper Plaza incorporates the history of the Native Americans and embodies a "sacred hoop" and the four elements that make up life (earth, air, fire and water).

RING OF FIRE HOURS:

The Keeper of the Plains "Ring of Fire" will burn the following schedule during the months of Daylight Savings Time:

Friday-Saturday nights: 9, 10 and 11 p.m. for 15 minutes.

Sunday-Thursday nights: 9 and 10 p.m. for 15 minutes.

Once Daylight Savings Time is over, typically in late October, the burn hours will be:

Friday-Saturday nights: 7 and 8 p.m. for 15 minutes. Sunday-Thursday nights: 7 p.m. for 15 minutes.

Contacts: Mid-America All Indian Center, 316.262.5221; maaic@sbcglobal.net

Hours and admission charge: N/A