ICON Artworks is proud to pay tribute to the beloved University of North Carolina mascot "Rameses" with our officially licensed Tar Heels Desktop Sculpture!   A perfect gift for students, alumni, faculty, and fans alike!

For nearly 70 years the mascot of North Carolina's football team has been a ram. Since Carolina's nickname is Tar Heels, it might seem strange to have a ram as a mascot. It is. But, there is a good explanation.  UNC cheerleader Vic Huggins is credited with beginning the tradition of Ram mascots at UNC. In 1924, during a rough year for the football team, Huggins decided that UNC needed an animal mascot similar to N.C. State's wolf or Georgia's bulldog. The idea for using a ram came from the nickname for star Tar Heel fullback Jack Merritt, known as the "Battering Ram."

Huggins obtained $25 from the University for the mascot and ordered a live ram from Texas. They named him Rameses. The ram arrived when the team was 2-4 and looking for inspiration. Rameses's first appearance on the sidelines was during the UNC-VMI game on November 8, 1924, a hard-fought Carolina victory. Rameses and his descendants have been fixtures at UNC football games ever since. 

• Created by acclaimed sculptor Tim Wolfe of ICON Artworks 
• Handcrafted in Cast Pewter and Bronze Plated Cast Pewter
• The Tar Heels Desktop Sculpture stands 6.25 inches in height (including base).  Total Weight: 2.5 lbs. 
• Each sculpture is mounted on a round, black Belgian marble base which can be customized or personalized with laser engraving to commemorate any event or achievement (e.g., Graduation).  Click here to view custom engraving samples.
• Officially Licensed by the University of North Carolina and Learfield IMG College Licensing (CLC) 
• First Edition is individually numbered, limited to 1000
• Includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Artist
• MADE IN USA 

ICON Artworks Cast Pewter is handcrafted by our team of skilled artisans with an antique finish in the highest quality, lead-free Fine Pewter alloy used for sculpture.  Though not considered a "precious metal" like platinum, gold, and silver, pewter is a very valuable alloy used since the Bronze Age because of its lustrous silver finish, its malleability, durability and its ability to capture incredibly fine detail.   Pewter does not rust or deteriorate and can be enjoyed for generations.   

PLEASE NOTE REGARDING ENGRAVING:   To include engraving, select "Add Engraving" when placing your order and input your message at "Checkout."  Custom graphics or logos can be incorporated.  Email us at [email protected] with any questions you may have.

(Source notes: Traditions: Mascot - University of North Carolina Athletics