Monarch of the Plains
by Darrold Bailey
Falls Park, Falls Park
Granite · Base: 115’’ L x 60’’ W x 24’’ H; Sculpture: 95’’ L x 54.5 ’’ W x 49’’’ H
Gift to the city January 1, 2000
- Object
- #31
- Location
- 43.55773, -96.72207
- Source
- SF GIS layer 34
The granite sculpture depicts a bison in a resting pose and is carved from a single block of stone. Perceived color differences between the hide and mane of the animal were achieved by using different tooling marks/techniques, giving the areas two different surface textures. The artist’s signature was seen at the east/northeast side of the animal. The figure sits atop a rectangular base of the same granite. It is also unknown how the buffalo is connected to the base. The base has three sides that are rough-hewn. The topside is highly polished. The front/north side is a separate slab affixed to the base. It is unknown how these elements are connected. The front slab is smooth and engraved with black paint in recessed areas. The base/pedestal sits upon a poured concrete footing that is surrounded on all sides by quartzite pavers.