Tower of the Four Winds, (sculpture).

Tower of the Four Winds, (sculpture).

Thomsen, F. W., sculptor.

Tower of the Four Winds, (sculpture).

1987. Dedicated June 27, 1987.

Mosaic: ceramic tile, stone and metal; Base: concrete.

Approx. 44 x 20 x 6 ft.

Mosaic cross stands on a pyramidal base. At the center of the cross is a figure with arms stretched straight out. A circle banded with a decorative rim encloses the figure. The cross continues outside the circle. On each horizontal form are dark figures walking toward the center.

Emblem -- Cross

Allegory -- Religion

Homage -- Black Elk, Nicholas

Homage -- Neihardt, John G.

Ethnic -- Indian -- Sioux

Literature -- Neihardt -- Black Elk Speaks

Outdoor Sculpture -- Nebraska -- Blair

Administered by Black Elk-Neihardt Park Corporation, c/o Blair Area Chamber of Commerce, One Blair Place, 1526 Washington Street, Blair, Nebraska 68008

Located Black Elk-Neihardt Park, Blair, Nebraska

The mosaic design is based on the visions of Nicholas Black Elk (1863-1950), an Oglala Sioux holy man, as interpreted by poet John G. Neihardt (1881-1973). The work combines the themes of Christianity and other religions with Native-American spirituality. IAS files include brochures from the Park and the text of a nearby commemorative plaque.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Nebraska survey, 1994.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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