I have always respected and been intrigued by Native Americans’ history, culture, and beliefs. When I visited Wichita, Kansas, recently, on my list of places to visit was the Mid-America All-Indian Museum.
The bright room has a peaceful aura. There are no children in the museum the day I visit, but if there were, I am sure they would be beating on the drums and exploring the other hands-on pieces of history they can explore including their own pint-size teepee.
There is a lot to explore here. The museum focuses on the works of American Indian artists around the country. Multiple exhibits from the more than 3,000-piece collection are on display. Displays are changed quarterly and yearly, offering guests a reason to visit the museum often.
One exhibit that never changes honors Blackbear Bosin, who created the most visited attraction in Wichita, the “Keeper of the Plains,” a 44-foot, 5-ton weathered steel sculpture at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers.
Bosin, a Kiowa-Comanche artist, was one of the museum’s founders. His paintings, including the dramatic mural “From Whence All Life” are on display. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to have Native American art recognized.
One area that interests me is the blanket weaving, the intricacies of the art, and the lore of the Spider Woman who taught the Navaho women the art.
The museum videos and placards bring the history of each piece to life. There are pottery displays, Alaskan Indigenous People’s carvings, dream catchers, and several paintings.
The museum focuses on the history, culture, and stories of America’s native people. The goal, as explained on the museum website, is to build on the knowledge a visitor may have about American Indians, challenge stereotypes, and connect them to both the past and the present.
There are more than 570 American tribes. The museum tells as many stories as possible throughout this small but mighty museum.
As I was leaving, the information desk clerk told me there was an upcoming event I might be interested in. An Indian Art Market will be held December 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum.
If you go:
The museum is located at 650 North Seneca Street in Wichita. For more information, call (316) 350-3340 or check the website here,
An excellent hotel located centrally in the city is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Wichita Downtown, 525 South Main Street, Wichita. For more information, click here.
For information on all the other attractions, hotels, restaurants, and shopping opportunities, go to Visit Wichita by clicking here.
