Boise High School officials uncovered two paintings portraying Native Americans during a remodeling and expansion project of its 1936 gym.
The Idaho Statesman reports crews were able to salvage one image that officials say was likely painted back in the 1940s.
The paintings were signed by an “R. Brown” and were found behind a trophy cabinet. Officials say they plan to display the recovered painting once the facility is complete. However, school officials do not know who “R. Brown” is, and are trying to find information about the artist -- according to Boise School District spokesman Dan Hollar.
The school previously used an image of a Native American as a mascot. The imagery was phased out in recent years.
Hollar said crews hope to complete the $14.1 million project -– which includes both an extensive remodel of the gymnasium and the construction of a performing arts center for music and arts students -– in October of 2018.
Officials also found old uniforms and a wallet lost by a student in the 1980s. The school's resource officer tracked down the former student who still lives in the area and returned the wallet.
(Associated Press contributed to this story)
