The two American Indian head sculptures at the entrance to the University of Utah Rice Stadium may find a new home.
The sculptures were to be preserved as part of the contract during the renovation of the stadium for the 2002 Olympics."We specifically included the careful removal and handling of the sculptures in the contract. They're considered valuable pieces of art and history," said Randy Turpin, assistant vice president of administrative services.
The Indian heads were a gift to the U. from the then-student body vice president Joseph Rosenblatt upon his graduation in 1927, according to a November edition of the Daily Utah Chronicle that year.
Rosenblatt owned a metal fabrication foundry and had hired renowned sculptor Gilbert Riswold to create the molds of the profile of a Ute Indian chief. The molds would then be cast in bronze by Rosenblatt's foundry.
"I didn't want them to say anything about who made the donation. They should have kept my name out of it. I just wanted the school to have them," Rosenblatt said.
Rosenblatt has been a major benefactor to the U. over the years, including donating his house to serve as the U. president's official residence.
Riswold came to Salt Lake City from Chicago in 1921 to design and build the monument to the Mormon Battalion on Capitol Hill. Riswold was chosen to create the sculpture after winning a competition held by the State Monument Commission.
Riswold decided to stay in Salt Lake City, designing many other monuments including the Old Folks Memorial fountain on Temple Square and the Sphinxes at the entrance to the Masonic temple.
Turpin said a decision has not been made on where the sculptures will end up, but they will be preserved. At some point, the heads were painted red. They will be stripped and cleaned before being placed on display, he said.
"There is also the political issue of respect for Native Americans to be considered," Turpin said.