SCM+Memorial+Designs

= Always Remember the Battle of Sand Creek  = = = On November 29, 1864 a band of 700 Colorado militia massacred around 100 Cheyenne and Arapaho Native Americans in what came to be known as the Sand Creek Massacre. Around two-thirds of those who where killed and mutilated where unarmed women and children. There were also multiple chiefs killed in the tragedy, most of which had advocated peace with the white settlers and the U.S. government. This day is a day that will never be forgotten in the memories of the Cheyenne or the Arapaho. The only memorial created has been a small gravestone, but I believe that there should be something more to commemorate all of the innocent lives lost to this carnage. I would place the memorial just behind the current marker to allow a prologue to the monument. For the first part of the new design I would place a large slab of plain black granite as the core of the memorial. This piece would have all of the known victims names carved into it, and a statement to also remember those who where unable to be identified at the bottom. I think that black marble is the best choice for this piece because black is the color most think of as a respectful grievance to those who have passed away. I also chose granite because it is strong and will withstand almost anything. Black granite is the best choice because the simplicity of it has been used before for many commemorations including the Vietnam memorial and it successfully conveys the message intended. The next part of the memorial would be two totem poles, one on each side of the black marble slate. Totem poles have been used for centuries as structures dedicated to the remembrance of important people and events. Both totem poles would be carved from variable black and brown granite to symbolize a more natural color and feel. One totem pole would be dedicated to the Cheyenne chiefs and leaders, and the other to the Arapaho chiefs and leaders who died in the battle. Each would be specifically shaped around the two different cultural symbols and beliefs to show distinctions between the two tribes. Laid across the tops of all three main objects would be a varied black and brown marble slate that would read, “Always Remember the Battle of Sand Creek”. Not only would this saying be written in English, but also in the languages of the Cheyenne, and the Arapaho. By bringing all three languages together this would unite the look and feel of the entire work. This would serve also as the ‘official title’ for the commemorative monument to ensure that people would understand what the purpose is. Putting this slate on the top of the entire work is suitable to unite both of the tribes as they were united in life and in death. To symbolize life, spirit, and new beginnings for the tribes I would also place native area flowers in a garden around the vicinity. This garden would be shaped as a circle that would surround the entire monument leaving only a stone walkway leading to the center. A circle would be symbolic in a way that shows the cycle of life, and how the Native Americans believed that there was life after death. Bringing flowers in to the piece brings more colors into the area. Colors are very symbolic to these tribes in that they have meanings, which could symbolize anything from life or from death. Flowers have been used for centuries to commemorate and show respect for the loss of friends and loved ones so I believe it would be an appropriate addition. The Sand Creek Massacre was one of the most notorious incidents of the Indian Wars. The cruelty of the Colorado militia left the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes with few survivors. This catastrophic event in Native American history deserves a true monument worthy of display. One that will withstand the hands of time, and give remembrance and awareness towards all of those who where lost.