Keeper of the Plains

Forged from five tons of steel, this Wichita, Kansas, sentinel stands vigil over the converging Big Arkansas River and Little Arkansas River.

The Wichita tribe once resided on the land that rests between these two rivers. This land is considered to be sacred to Native Americans.

Perhaps that explains the sense of peace and timelessness one feels in the presence of this stoic guardian.

The Keeper of the Plains is the masterpiece of Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin.

Bosin was born in 1921, in Cyril, Oklahoma. At the mission school he attended, Bosin was captivated when he discovered the paintings of the Kiowa Six (a group of renowned Kiowa artists).

In his early twenties, Bosin joined the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the Marines, Bosin (a self-taught artist) was presented with the opportunity to display his work in a one-man art exhibition.

After his stint in the Marine Corps, Bosin relocated to Wichita, Kansas. There, he gained recognition and accolades for his artwork.

Both the Smithsonian Institution and San Francisco’s DeYoung Museum showcased Bosin’s art.

In 1955, Bosin’s painting Prairie Fire was featured in an issue of National Geographic.

Bosin opened his own art studio (the Great Plains Studio). He encouraged indigenous artists to showcase their artwork there.

In 1959, Bosin designed a 1,500 square foot mural titled The Advance of Civilization in Kansas. Composed solely of glass chips, Bosin's artwork was showcased in the Crystal Ballroom of Wichita’s Hotel Broadview. 

Bosin's artwork received worldwide recognition, including in New York and Switzerland.

The White House and the National Gallery of Art also displayed his art.

The Department of the Interior commissioned work from Bosin, as well.

In the 1960s, Bosin suffered from a series of health issues. While Bosin recuperated in the hospital, a friend approached him with the idea of creating the Keeper of the Plains sculpture.

Despite financial setbacks, Bosin completed the Keeper of the Plains in time to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. Local Native Americans blessed the Keeper of the Plains in a special ceremony.

The Keeper of the Plains lifts his face to the Great Spirit.

In his final years, Blackbear Bosin attended regional powwows. There, he joined in traditional dances (including one that had been taught to him by his father).

Eventually, a renovation project expanded the layout around Bosin's Keeper of the Plains sculpture.

Cultural Displays

The plaza area is wheelchair accessible.

Footbridges and pedestrian walkways present an impressive view of the sculpture.

Benches provide a comfortable place to relax and people-watch.

Walking trails and bike paths offer recreational opportunities.

The adjoining Veterans Memorial Park provides a place for quiet reflection.

Nearby riverside museums offer an exploration of culture, history, and fun.

In the evening hours, fire drums create a spectacular “Ring of Fire” around the Keeper of the Plains.

Depending on weather and river conditions, the "Ring of Fire" can be viewed for 15 minutes each night.

Located at 650 N. Seneca Street, in Wichita, Kansas, the Keeper of the Plains is free to the public.

Many consider Blackbear Bosin's magnificent sculpture to be one of Wichita’s most symbolic and cherished landmarks.

Rightfully so. One feels the timeless power and awe of the Keeper of the Plains.

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