Niwot’s Native American Heritage Takes Form

Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Washington, DC has the Lincoln Memorial and Niwot, Colorado has its one-of-a-kind tree sculptures.

The tree sculptures, honoring Niwot’s Native American roots, have clearly become a focal point of the town. Locals bring guests by to see them, a people come from around the area to appreciate the art and inspiration they provide. Sunset Magazine even wrote a story in 2008 about Niwot that prominently featured a photo of the first sculpture, Biitoheinen.

Biitoheinen (Spear Lodge Man) is worth the trip. But these days, cars and visitors are slowing down not for the finished sculpture, but for Eagle Catcher, the second trunk to be carved. Or perhaps they are looking a the sculptor, Native American artist, Eddie Running Wolf, at work.

Read unedited article by Liz Emmett-Mattox, Left Hand Valley Courier