This sacred 28-ton red quartzite boulder was taken from Council Grove to Lawrence in 1929. While there, it was defaced with a 300 lb plaque

For centuries, the Kanza, or Kaw, people recognized an object known as the Sacred Red Rock as a critical part of their culture and history. It is called the Sacred Red Rock because it’s (1) reddish in color and (2) important. It is also called Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, and sometimes Grandfather.

In 1929, the rock was removed by crane, put on a train, and taken to Lawrence, Kansas. There, a metal plaque was bolted into it. The plaque honored the heroism of white settlers.

The Kaw were outraged, which confused some because they felt it was just a dumb rock – not so dumb a rock that people didn’t want it, but too dumb to have a cow over. When it was explained that the rock was sacred, ridicule came. The American Indians were thought stupid for “worshipping a rock.” How could one worship a rock? It’s not like it’s 2 pieces of wood that cross above the center.

The short answers are:

• No one worshipped the rock; it was a place to congregate and pray
• Stealing the rock was akin to the Kaw taking the St. John the Evangelist Church out of Lawrence, hanging buffalo hides in it, and painting stories on the walls in honor of past Winter Hunts

This article will discuss one likely part of the object’s historical significance, a brief history of the theft and return, and the celebration that took place this past June.

Potential Importance of the Rock as Guide

Prior to 1825 the Kaw people controlled much of the Ohio Valley, including what is known today as Kansas. In fact, the word “Kansas” is the plural of the tribe’s name, meaning that the land is still recognized in some form as being of the tribe. The Kansas River is also called the Kaw River for this reason. It was theirs.

During their Winter Hunts, the Kaw would travel west to intercept the buffalo. On their way out and back, they very likely had a rendezvous point in present-day Council Grove which was easy to locate due to there being a 28-ton red boulder. Landscapes might change as trees grow and streams relocate, but the red rock remained.

Like a loving grandfather, they could rely upon its presence to guide them. And like good grandchildren, they paid it respect. The rock was not a god to them, but it was good to them.

Theft and Return

Placing the Sacred Red Rock on a foundation and bolting a plaque into it was similar to mounting and stuffing a Kaw ancestor.

The year was 1929. The stock market was going gangbusters. Herbert Hoover was the President, and a member of the Kaw Nation, Charles Curtis, was Vice President!

On top of this, there were amazing things happening in the US. Dogs were learning how to aid the blind, the gangster Al Capone was arrested, and sunglasses were being mass produced.

What also happened was that people from Lawrence stole Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe. They did this via crane and train, and, per a conversation I had with Kaw Mission Site Administrator, Mark Brooks, they underestimated how heavy it was, failing on their first attempt.

The reason that this object could be removed without Kaw resistance was because the Kaw people were forced out of Kansas into a desolate part of Oklahoma, pre-statehood.

Upon obtaining Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, it was mounted – like a trophy – and stamped in honor of those who’d “found” the land upon which the now-stolen boulder was placed. Given the meaning of the object to the Kaw, this was not that much different than unearthing an ancestor of theirs and stuffing him for display, like in the Smithsonian.

Eventually, the boulder was recovered.

Kaw Powwow Celebration, June, 2024

June 22, 2024: During the day, there was a ceremony in Council Grove. Tribal people came from all directions, and many locals attended, as well. I traveled from Long Island at the invitation of tribal member Erin Pouppirt, who is also a member of the Kansas Speakers Bureau. At the powwow that evening, she invited me to dance.

Damien Littledeer and his sons welcome Grandfather home.
Photo Credit: Frank Morris

The work of recovering Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe required the time and labor of many people ranging from Oklahoma to Lawrence. For all the hard work done, several people were honored. Among them was  the scholar Tai Edwards. Dr. Edwards was recognized at the ceremony, and given a blanket. To understand the significance, please see here.

As for the future of the tribe and Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, the celebration grounds in Council Grove are being built upon. The grounds have never had running water, but soon will. Travelers of all kinds will be able to pay homage to the Sacred Red Rock, learn about its history, and the people to whom it has meant so much.