Oct 22, 2021

Police ID suspects in vandalism of Native American exhibit at KU

Posted Oct 22, 2021 4:46 PM
Photo KU Public Safety Office
Photo KU Public Safety Office

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the vandalism to the Native American Art at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas have identified the suspects, according to the KU Public Safety Office.

Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU
Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU

Police recovered a stolen panel from the exhibit weeks after other panels in the exhibit were vandalized. 

Earlier this month, museum officials announced  that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, was back in front of the museum.

The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.

Officials thanked the public for helping identify the suspects who damaged the artwork. The case is being forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney for charging consideration, according to the KU Public Safety office.

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