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Pedestal Mosaics Four smaller
mosaics on pedestals with Prof. Thomsen's interpretations of Black
Elk's descriptions of the four quarters of the world stand – in north,
east, south, and west positions -- along a concrete path in the shape
of a hoop. A cottonwood tree (cottonwoods were considered sacred by
the Lakota) grows near the center of this hoop.
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 WEST
. . . where the thunder beings live. The colors are blue and black.
The thunder beings have the power to send rain or lightning, the
power to bring life or to destroy. The symbols are life-giving rain
and the bow and arrow. |
 NORTH
. . . where the Great White Giant lives in power and the source of
the cold and mighty winds which give strength and endurance. The
color of the north is the white of the wild goose wing and the
cleansing snows. The sacred herb of healing has one stem bearing
four blossoms in the colors that represent the four quarters of the
world. |
 EAST
. . . the source of the
light of day and where the morning star lives. From the light of the
east come wisdom and understanding, and from understanding, peace.
The symbols for the east are the morning star and the pipe, and the
color for this quarter is red. |
 SOUTH
. . . the source of summer and the power to grow. The color is
yellow. The symbol is the sacred red flowering stick, which
represents the tree in bloom. |
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The Black Elk-Neihardt Park
Corporation, a
Nebraska nonprofit
organization, has been instrumental in planning, funding, and
implementing this park in cooperation with the Blair Parks Department. |
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