"Valley of the Insane"

 

 The site of Kanakadea park is in fact located in what is Kanakadea valley, this valley encompasses much of Allegheny County.  "Kanakadea"? With a little research into the history of the word came a plethora of information.  This word is a term use by the Seneca, meaning "Valley of the Insane", the Seneca would travel out of their way to avoid passing through these lands, some historians believe it was sacred burial grounds.   During British control over the colonies there was a treaty, this treaty was with the Seneca natives, and in this treaty the natives were allowed to keep Kanakadea Valley.  However, when our independence was won from Britain all treaties went out the window and the Seneca were pushed further and further off of these lands.  This site specific sculpture is a large scale reproduction of the Native American medicine wheel, this symbol was a way of life for the members of the Iroquois Nation, the Seneca included.  The intent is to erect a bit of history that has been forgotten.  The location being on an island is symbolic. This sculpture will stand alone, it no longer has a connection to the main land,  being stumbled onto on occasion, just as I've stumbled onto this corner of history.  This sculpture can be looked at from the distant shore, and an addition view from passing vehicles on Sate Route 21.