Head of Leif Erikson: Viking
Los Angeles, California
This 1936 bronze sculpture on a granite base was sculpted by Nina Saemundsson. The plaque reads: "Leif Erikson, Explorer, Landed in America, Year 1000." It was bankrolled by the Nordic Civic League, who clearly hoped that the head would help rewrite the history books.
Full-figure Erikson tributes are spread across North America, but only his head made it to Hollywood -- helmetless, clean-shaven, with styled hair and a firm jaw, ready for his close-up.




