The brief was a plinth for a client’s life-size bronze of Guyasuta, the Seneca leader born c.1724. Hunter, warrior, diplomat, he guided a young George Washington in 1753, later opposed him at Fort Duquesne, helped lead Pontiac’s Rebellion at Fort Pitt and Bushy Run, then turned peacemaker, negotiating releases and liaising between British officials and Native nations. In the Revolution he fought with the British, but his life is remembered for leadership and diplomacy.

We created a pedestal that tells Guyasuta’s story, not just holds his bronze likeness.

What struck me most were the tools and objects of his everyday life. Things that were such quiet witnesses to his world.

Working with our artist René, we shaped a sculptural base. Sides softly curved, tapering toward the viewer, drawing the eye to a front panel carved in fine relief- musket, bow, spear, arrowheads, lacrosse stick and leather ball - down to bindings and the flintlock’s tiny mechanism.

We stretched wet leather over the carving and pressed it into every contour, creating a living, tactile surface.

A hammered-steel base grounds the piece; a hand-carved bronze block cradles the bust.

Now his legacy doesn’t just stand remembered. It begs the telling of his story every time you pass.