The so-called "Ohlone Mural" in Oakland, California, was defaced by unknown vandals a week before the controversial artwork was to be dedicated.

The 25-by-10-foot mural is on 41st and Piedmont Ave. It was painted by local artist Rocky Baird, who says he consulted an anthropologist of Ohlone heritage and deemed it acceptable [More on Mural].

But some people have questioned the nature of "The Capture of the Solid, the Escape of the Soul." It depicts naked Indian figures in conflict with Christian and European figures.

Vandals spray-painted the words "ignorance is no excuse for racism" and "ignorance" on the mural. Some of the eyes of the missionary figures were painted red.

The dedicated will go ahead as planned this Saturday.

Get the Story:
Native American mural is damaged by vandals (The Contra Costa Times 4/28)
Artist: Vandals missed message of Ohlone mural (The Oroville Mercury-Register 4/25)