Miami Indian, Public artwork in Montpelier, Indiana
The Miami Indian sculpture is a large fiberglass and concrete work of art in Montpelier, Indiana, standing about 25 feet tall. It depicts a human figure dressed in traditional clothing with a blue and white war bonnet, black braided hair, and white pants decorated with brown fringe.
Originally created in the 1960s for a car dealership in Indianapolis as a representation of Chief Pontiac, the sculpture was donated to Montpelier in 1984 by Larry P. Godfroy, a Miami Indian leader, placing it near the former tribal territories of the Miami people.
The sculpture displays traditional clothing with a war bonnet and fringed garments, creating a visual connection to Miami tribal culture. It serves as a standing reminder of the tribe's presence and their role in shaping this land's identity.
The sculpture stands outside the Montpelier Community Building in downtown and is easy to access and spot from a distance due to its size. A historical marker in front provides context about the Miami people and their connection to the area.
The sculpture was originally created for commercial advertising at a car dealership in Indianapolis before becoming a cultural monument in Montpelier. This transformation shows how everyday objects can gain new historical and cultural significance through relocation and community adoption.
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