Utah Logo Is So Misunderstood

The University of Utah, known as the Utes, has had this famous logo for years, but many people have misunderstood what it represents.

Many think it’s a feather on top of a drum. In fact, Wikipedia boldly describes it as Utah's "drum and leather" logo—though they probably meant feather. But no, no, no, it is not a drum at all, despite popular belief.

Here’s the story:

The University of Utah's connection with the Ute Indian Tribe of eastern Utah didn’t happen overnight—it grew out of respect and collaboration with each other. Back in 1972, the school informally began this partnership with a promise to celebrate Ute culture and support the tribe’s youth in education.

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Late Ute leader Lacee Harris designed the logo, and according to his daughter Brenna Clark, he wasn’t shy about correcting anyone who thought it was just a drum, as noted in his 2020 obituary. Harris, a respected leader within the tribe, was a natural choice to craft a symbol that reflected the tribe’s values and identity.

The circle in the design, far from being a drum, represents the circle of life—a deeply meaningful symbol in Ute culture, signifying the interconnectedness of all living things, from birth to death.

The design features sacred eagle feathers, which are integral to Ute beliefs. These feathers are more than decorative elements—they represent the eagle, a creature believed to carry prayers to the Creator.

The logo is trademarked by the university and represents the deep connection between the university and the tribe whose name they bear.