City debuts new public art installation honoring indigenous ancestors of South Texas

Najo Jam

The City of San Antonio just unveiled a brand new public art installation at the peak of Comanche Lookout Park. Najo Jām which means “Our Home” in Coahuiltecan language is a monument that features half-moon and deer imagery that is carved in faux stone. The artwork was designed by collaborating San Antonio artists Carlos Cortés and Doroteo Garza.

“The use of trabajo rustico for this project is meaningful and intentional, as both the technique and symbols of indigenous culture represent deep and rich traditions,” said Cortés, a third generation trabajo rustico concrete artisan. “It is inspiring to use the skills passed down to me from my father, who learned from my great uncle, to honor and reflect on the ancestors and heritage of this land.”

“It is my hope that when park visitors see the installation, they gain an understanding that indigenous stories and memories existed here long before their hike,” said Garza, a multimedia artist with nearly 20 years of experience. “Nature is so integral to the indigenous way of life and I am excited for people to connect with the land by viewing and interacting with the artwork while standing in the center of an area so important to indigenous culture and heritage.”

The area features stylized benches, a planter and a monument that symbolizes peyotism which is used as part of indigenous religious ceremonies.

The art can be viewed by the public but after a little hike throughout the park to get to it. The 96-acre park is located at 15551 Nacogdoches Rd.