Artwork: Sacred Buffalo

Sacred Buffalo

by Porter Williams

Sherman Park, Sherman Park

Stone · Wall Size 10' height x 102' length

Gift to the city

City record
Object
#30
Location
43.53615, -96.76209
Source
SF GIS layer 34
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City condition notes

The piece in question appears to be constructed of dry laid stone, creating a pictorial wall with an associated engraved quartzite epitaph honoring the project donors to the proper right side. Sacred bison and a Native American figure on horseback have been depicted using stones of various shapes, sizes, color, and geology. The figures in the series of sacred buffalo measure from 6’ L x 3.5’ H to 10.5 L x 4.5 H. The last figure represents a horseman and measures 14’ L x 9.5’ H. The quartzite epitaph is rectangular in shape and is rough hewn on 5 of 6 sides. The front side is smooth, but not polished, with black paint in the engraved recesses. It is slightly embedded in the ground and leans backwards, resting on the stone wall behind it. Spring 2018 - the wall has fallen. Bricks fell and the area was fenced off to protect the public. The wall will be assessed by a structural engineer to determine if it can be restored.