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Giant Bison Puppets Take Over Manhattan and Brooklyn
30 Sep
Summary
- Forty life-size bison puppets walked through NYC in September 2026.
- Each puppet was operated by three puppeteers and weighed over 80 pounds.
- The event celebrated bison history, Indigenous culture, and themes of renewal.
In September 2026, New York City witnessed an extraordinary spectacle as 40 life-size bison puppets, hand-built in Brooklyn, traversed the streets of Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn over two days. The event, titled Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi, was a free public art display created in partnership with Lenape and Lakota tribal elders.
Each colossal puppet, measuring six to ten feet long and weighing more than 80 pounds, required three puppeteers to operate. The intricate construction utilized steel, plywood, burlap, and paper, with a focus on recycled materials. The procession featured vibrant performances, including music, poetry, and dance, at historically significant locations.
The production aimed to reflect on the bison's near extinction and recovery, symbolizing themes of loss and renewal. The Lakota subtitle, Tatanka Owe Akupi, was prominently displayed alongside the English title, underscoring the deep connection between bison and Indigenous peoples. Organizers are exploring future city appearances for the herd.
