Inaccurate Mural

Re “Shaman and Freedom-Fighter Led Indians’ Mission Revolt,” June 10: The mural depicting the Gabrielino Indian shaman Toypurina is inaccurate with respect to history. The mural was supposed to be inspired by Toypurina and Mission San Gabriel around 1785. Instead, the background photograph of the gray-habited Franciscan friars was taken at Mission Santa Barbara in 1890, over a century later. This photograph makes a strong statement on its own, and care should be taken to use it in historically accurate applications.

Matthew Herrera

San Luis Obispo