Although the Unconquered statue upholds a representation of power and strength, we cannot deny that it misrepresents the Seminole Indians in the most ironic way due to their ultimate ending. In order to appropriate the Seminole culture in a better light, the new design must still represent power, strength and the factual concept that the Seminole Indians did not surrender unlike the word “unconquered,” that the statue relays. With this in mind, our group came up with a design that still empowered the Seminole Indians as a whole and not only Chief Osceola and Renegade. The new design simplified this concept by having three simple elements: a fist, a spear and the words “No Surrender.” A fist and a spear alone carry symbolic messages accepted by society without the need of textual context. However, the third element, “No Surrender” anchors readers by relaying the message that the Seminole Indians were not simply conquered but rather fought to preserve their land and culture and never surrender to the “white” settlement. This is necessary if we want portray a truthful representation of what the Seminole Indians stand for. Furthermore, in a more modern culture, “No Surrender” is a more appropriate term that also represents the determination in the sports and academic culture seen through the athletes and students who attend FSU.

 

      Other than the three main elements that the new statue consists off, the materiality of the statue will be bronze. The spear will also be bronze and at the end part of the spear the words “No Surrender” would be carved. Choosing bronze as the material gives the statue a classical look and a long life expectancy. Unfortunately, without consistent waxing of a bronze statue it will eventually rust or oxidize and turn to a green color. Thus, the statue will need to be waxed to contain its lustrous bronze color. The size of the statue would also be 31 feet high as the current Unconquered statue. The height is another indication of power and strength by being bigger than a human but not too big that its features would be difficult to construct. The location will remain in front of the stadium, as it is one of FSU’s most recognizable and visited buildings -- especially during football season. Therefore, travelers, students, alumni’s and locals will have quick access to its public location. The fence that surrounds the unconquered statue will also remain for the original design to keep people from trying to climb the Fist statue. Unlike the Unconquered statue that sits on a platform, the new design will not be placed on a concrete platform but rather sit on the greenery that already surrounds the original designed. Having the Fist statue rise up from the ground gives the illusion that the fist is punching up from the ground. This illusion further compliments the “No Surrender” text on the spear. Our ultimate goal was to steer from having a specific entity be the mascot of a university that has progressed in so many ways except for truly representing a culture that it stands behind with great pride.