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Current Exhibits
 
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Tsate Kongia: Walking in Two Worlds, the Life of Blackbear Bosin

Exhibit Dates: permanent exhibit

The exhibit gives an in-depth look into the personal and professional life of Bosin, one of the founders of the Indian Center and the man behind Wichita's iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture. Tsate Kongia was Bosin's Kiowa name. It means "Blackbear" and belonged to his great-grandfather, a Kiowa chief. The exhibit includes paintings, photographs, vintage film footage, live audio tapes made by Bosin and interviews with people who were close to him. Bosin was an internationally recognized Comanche-Kiowa sculptor and acrylic/watercolor painter from Oklahoma who adopted Wichita as his home in 1940. Primarily a self-taught artist, Bosin helped enhance a better understanding of his culture by presenting scenes and tales of his beloved Indian heritage beautifully to the world. National Geographic gave Bosin his first national recognition in March 1955 with the publication of his painting "Prairie Fire".​​​​


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    Native Christmas

    Opening date: December 1, 2018

    Come help celebrate the season with us. The exhibit features our American Indian Christmas tree which is decorated with handmade ornaments along with nativity sets in different American Indian art styles.


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    Home

    ​Opening date: November 17, 2018

    An exhibit on Indigenous housing and objects from our collection that remind us of home.


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    Walk a Mile in Our Moccasins

    Opening date: October 4, 2018

    An exhibit in accordance with Rock Your Mocs - a worldwide Native American & Indigenous Peoples movement held annually, and the remembrance of Trail of Tears, "Walk a Mile in Our Moccasins" is a retrospective show of MAAIC's outstanding moccasin collection.​


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    Adorned in Silver

    The original Native American silver smith, a Navajo, learned to work silver and iron, from Mexicans hired by a Trading Post owner in the late 19th Century. Modern jewelers still use many of these early methods. The adaptability of tribes, like the Navajos, who quickly learned from the Mexicans the art of the silver smith, brought the Native Americans to become the most productive, skilled turquoise artisans of the jewelry world. Their products serve as symbolic messengers of the Native American ideals and ways.


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    Food Traditions

    Our relationship to the earth through food culture surrounds many parts of our lives. Many American Indian traditions and rituals center on the gifts received from Mother Earth and the fruits of the land. This exhibit examines that relationship.


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    Indians in the Arts

    Many people are aware of traditional American Indian arts. What might be less commonly known, however, is that these art forms are expanding and adapting as our cultures expand and adapt. American Indians create art that honors their heritage and traditions, but combine that with their lived experiences as modern indigenous people. The art found in this exhibit takes a tiny fragment of some of the recent work being created by individuals and groups that can acquaint the public with the contemporary cultural traditions of talented and dedicated artists.


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    Zuni Fetishes and Carvings

    Fetishes are objects that are filled with the spirits of powerful beings. Zuni people carve stone animals to heal and help the person who has it. Learn about Zuni fetishes and the carvings that are made to resemble them.​​​​


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    Pottery: Formed and Fired

    Pueblo pottery is as varied as the pueblos in which it is created. The Indian Center has 150 pieces from 17 pueblos that showcase the artistry that goes into the making of this art.

About Us

Mid-America All-Indian Center
650 N Seneca | Wichita, KS 67203
P: (316) 350-3340

Hours & Admission | Get Directions

Mission Statement

The Mid-America All-Indian Center serves as a cultural center and museum dedicated to educating people about and preserving the heritage of the American Indian.

This organization received funding for general operational support from the City of Wichita.