By: Noah Kim
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – A staple of many college campuses are statues symbolizing aspects of their individual integrity, and the University of Arkansas is no exception. Razorback statues are found all throughout the University of Arkansas campus, with each of them designed to reflect an integrated school spirit. Most of the razorback statues were commissioned by different artists between different time periods, this is made apparent as all sculptures distinctively highlight unique qualities of the razorback.
University of Arkansas art student Jacelyn Holsted, and Executive Editor for University Relations, Charlie Alison both provide in-depth background information and analyses of selected hog statues on campus.
Poultry Science Hog Statue:
This hog statue’s unassuming presence could be due to a deliberate choice. Of the selected pieces, the poultry science statue is closest to the actual size of a wild hog, it also lacks an official name and an attributing plaque. The surrounding trees provide a more naturalistic setting suggesting the statue is being observed in an authentic context.
“The sculpture itself does have a very natural look to it, as if you were walking by and you see one in the wild” Charlie Alison said.
Paul Young III, the son of late architect Paul Young Jr., gifted this hog statue to Don Tyson in 2009.
II Porcellino (Unity House Statue):
A replica of a Florentine hog statue resides in front of the Unity house. This statue was donated by Suzie Stephens and the Jim Hatfield family in 2006, they were inspired by the original piece following a trip to Florence.
Beneath the hog lies a pool of water with detailed carvings of smaller creatures. During the warm seasons, the razorback’s mouth functions as the spout of its fountain. This statue started a tradition of throwing coins into its fountain for wishes to come true.
Jacelyn Holsted said II Porcellino emits a welcoming presence as implied by its expression and naturalistic podium.
A Wild Band of Razorbacks:
Gifted to the University of Arkansas in 2018, A Wild Band of Razorbacks commemorates a historic victory the football team had over LSU in 1909. The title of the piece is in direct reference to a comment made by the head coach at the time, Hugo Bezdek, as he likened the team’s performance to a “wild band of razorback hogs.” This comment also initiated the university’s pivot to the Razorback as their official mascot, leaving behind the Cardinal.
Former University of Arkansas alum and owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones paid for the statue’s construction. The sculpture is placed next to Donald W. Reynolds stadium to serve as a reminder to current players and fans of the team’s significant legacy.
Each razorback present on the statue represents a different virtue: passion, victory, integrity, and relentlessness.
Dickson Street Hog Statue:
This statue serves to reflect the contemporary razorback design in both spheres of branding and function.
The notable features of this hog statue were incorporated to make it seem like it is an active part of the encompassing community Jacelyn Holsted said.
The amiable facial expression and dynamic pose of the hog correlates with its well trafficked surroundings. The lack of a podium and plaque for the hog represents a more candid depiction of the university’s mascot. Although the statue’s larger than average size allows for it to be a prominent fixture in the area.
Razorback Pride (Union Mall Statue):
To memorialize their national sesquicentennial founding, the Alpha Delta Pi sorority donated Razorback Pride to the campus in 2001.
This statue was commissioned by Hank Kaminsky, a Fayetteville based sculptor. The hog itself is the smallest and crudest of the selection, representing a hopeful naiveté. Its placement on a marble pedestal allows for viewers to be near eye-level with the piece.
Jacelyn Holsted said the lack of acute detail and exaggerated features on this statue implies its perception is intended to be from a distance and at all angles.
Razorback Pride lacks the insistent presence of the previous pieces, it more so comes across as friendly and modest.