Midden Mound Wickiups

“Midden Mound Wikiups” by Seattle based artist Buster Simpson honors the historical presence of indigenous peoples and their light footprint on the land. The structures suggest an overlay to the history of this site: a large decommissioned city landfill repurposed into a contemporary City Park. The wickiup atop our cultural midden suggests a return to a less wasteful society. Wickiup refers to a primitive domed structure historically associated with Native Americans of the Southwest – temporary strong domed dwellings made of bent green branches, hides, and thatch.

This installation is a modern take on a Wickiup including two sites with three domes made of metal, metal mesh, and geometric benches providing shade and a place to rest and includes features made of Texas limestone and red granite. The pair is called Wickiup Overlook and both are visible from Pearsall Park and draw visitors to explore the distant amenities. Upon arrival at each installation site, visitors are rewarded with a place for respite and views over looking Lackland Air Force Base, the meandering Leon Creek, pastoral and native landscapes, suburban villages and, in the distance, downtown San Antonio.

Nationally-recognized public artist Buster Simpson is recognized for his impact on environmental, sustainable public art projects.