Petroform: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Human-made shapes and patterns of rocks placed on the ground}} |
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{{Globalize|article|North America|date=February 2018}} |
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[[Image:Petroform at Whiteshell Park, Manitoba.JPG|thumb|Aligned boulders at Whiteshell Park, Manitoba]] |
[[Image:Petroform at Whiteshell Park, Manitoba.JPG|thumb|Aligned boulders at Whiteshell Park, Manitoba]] |
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'''Petroforms''', also known as boulder outlines or boulder mosaics, are human-made shapes and patterns made by lining up large rocks on the open ground, often on quite level areas. Petroforms in North America were originally made by |
'''Petroforms''', also known as '''boulder outlines''' or '''boulder mosaics''', are human-made shapes and patterns made by lining up large rocks on the open ground, often on quite level areas. Petroforms in North America were originally made by various Native American and First Nation tribes, who used various terms to describe them. Petroforms can also include a rock [[cairn]] or [[inukshuk]], an upright [[monolith]] slab, a [[medicine wheel]], a [[fire pit]], a [[desert kite]], sculpted boulders, or simply rocks lined up or stacked for various reasons. Old World petroforms include the [[Carnac stones]] and many other megalithic monuments.<ref>[http://www.megalithic.co.uk/ The Megalithic Portal and Megalith Map:<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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==Definition== |
==Definition== |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The first stone phase at [[Stonehenge]] has been dated to about 2600 BCE. [[Gorsedd stones|Stone circles]] are still being made in Wales as part of the [[Eisteddfod]] movement, which incorporates this among other elements from the [[Druid#Druidic revival|Druidic revival]]. Desert |
The first stone phase at [[Stonehenge]] has been dated to about 2600 BCE. [[Gorsedd stones|Stone circles]] are still being made in Wales as part of the [[Eisteddfod]] movement, which incorporates this among other elements from the [[Druid#Druidic revival|Druidic revival]]. [[Desert kite]]s were used possibly by 3000 BCE;{{citation needed|date=March 2015}} they fell out of use in the Neolithic as prey populations declined and the human population rose. |
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[[File:Petroform 3 josephprymak Joseph Prymak.JPG|thumb|Turtle petroform in |
[[File:Petroform 3 josephprymak Joseph Prymak.JPG|thumb|Turtle petroform in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba]] |
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Some of the North American petroform shapes are over 2,500 years old.{{ |
Some of the North American petroform shapes are over 2,500 years old.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} It is difficult to date all of them accurately because of a lack of soil deposits in some areas. Like the [[petroglyphs]], many petroforms have complex and lengthy teachings that have been passed down orally by the [[Ojibwe]], other [[First Nations in Canada|First Nations]], and the [[Midewiwin]]. Some teachings may have been lost, along with the peoples that originally made some of the oldest petroforms in North America. In some North American states and provinces, there are laws to protect these important archaeological and historical sites. There were very few studies or specific mention of Manitoba petroform sites until the 20th century. The first detailed studies and descriptions of some sites in [[Manitoba]] were done by J. Steinbring and R. Sutton after the 1950s.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} |
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Presently, many [[ |
Presently, many [[Ojibwe]] or [[Anishinaabe]] ceremonies in North America involve the making of turtle-shaped fire pits for sacred fires. In some instances, rocks are aligned near the entrance and fire of [[sweat lodge]] ceremonies that symbolize the Moon, the Sun and other things. Rock piles are still made to mark trails and important locations. A large turtle petroform of piled up boulders was recently made in the Whiteshell Park area of Manitoba.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} |
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==Designs and purposes== |
==Designs and purposes== |
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In some cases, petroforms were made by non-literate cultures who have left no written record of whatever reasons led them to construct these forms. Oral history was passed along by many native groups, and a few groups had very complex symbolic writings on rock, [[petroglyphs]], [[birch bark scrolls]], and other media. |
In some cases, petroforms were made by non-literate cultures who have left no written record of whatever reasons led them to construct these forms. Oral history was passed along by many native groups, and a few groups had very complex symbolic writings on rock, [[petroglyphs]], [[birch bark scrolls]], and other media. |
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===Astronomical markers=== |
===Astronomical markers=== |
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Some petroforms were used as astronomical calendars, with rocks aligned to solstice and equinox sunrises and sunsets. They are often found in higher areas, on hills, [[mound]]s, ridges, and natural rock formations. Higher ground allowed humans to carefully observe the [[horizon]] to mark and measure astronomical events. Some rock alignments point out four or more directions, lunar events, the rising and setting of planets, some stars, and other astronomical events. Some petroforms can also be used in more complex ways for astronomical predictions, mapping of the sky and ground, and for complex ceremonies that help to memorize many oral stories and songs. Petroforms are similar in some ways to [[medicine wheels]] which are also aligned with sunrises and sunsets, [[equinox]]es, [[solstice]]s, lunar events, and star patterns. Petroforms also mirrored the night sky, and the patterns of the stars, similar to astrological signs and symbols. The [[Sioux]] have oral stories of the serpent in the sky, a turtle, a bear, and other patterns seen in the stars. What is often known today as [[Orion (constellation)|Orion's belt]] was one prominent, bright star formation, along with the central and stationary north star, now named as [[Polaris]]. What is now known as the planet Venus is the very bright morning and evening star that is very noticeable and at times is the first and last to appear. Petroform sites in North America can be found in [[Manitoba]], [[Saskatchewan]], [[Alberta]], [[Wisconsin]], [[Minnesota]], [[Wyoming]], [[Montana]], along the [[Mississippi River]], the [[Missouri River]], and elsewhere. It has been suggested that megalithic monuments including [[Stonehenge]] may have incorporated important astronomical alignments. |
Some petroforms were used as astronomical calendars, with rocks aligned to solstice and equinox sunrises and sunsets. They are often found in higher areas, on hills, [[mound]]s, ridges, and natural rock formations. Higher ground allowed humans to carefully observe the [[horizon]] to mark and measure astronomical events. Some rock alignments point out four or more directions, lunar events, the rising and setting of planets, some stars, and other astronomical events. Some petroforms can also be used in more complex ways for astronomical predictions, mapping of the sky and ground, and for complex ceremonies that help to memorize many oral stories and songs. Petroforms are similar in some ways to [[medicine wheels]] which are also aligned with sunrises and sunsets, [[equinox]]es, [[solstice]]s, lunar events, and star patterns. Petroforms also mirrored the night sky, and the patterns of the stars, similar to astrological signs and symbols. The [[Sioux]] have oral stories of the serpent in the sky, a turtle, a bear, and other patterns seen in the stars. What is often known today as [[Orion (constellation)|Orion's belt]] was one prominent, bright star formation, along with the central and stationary north star, now named as [[Polaris]]. What is now known as the planet Venus is the very bright morning and evening star that is very noticeable and at times is the first and last to appear.{{Citation needed|date=May 2018}} Petroform sites in North America can be found in [[Manitoba]], [[Saskatchewan]], [[Alberta]], [[Wisconsin]], [[Minnesota]], [[Wyoming]], [[Montana]], along the [[Mississippi River]], the [[Missouri River]], and elsewhere. It has been suggested that megalithic monuments including [[Stonehenge]] may have incorporated important astronomical alignments. |
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===Hunting aids=== |
===Hunting aids=== |
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The [[ |
The [[desert kite]]s of Syria, Jordan, and the Negev—long lines of stones—are interpreted as aids to hunting large game animals like gazelles, ibexes, wild asses. There are similar structures on most continents.<ref>Sinai: Excavations and Studies. Ze'ev Meshel. 2000. BAR S876. {{ISBN|978-1-84171-077-8}}</ref><ref>[http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2146412866&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 The Megalithic Portal and Megalith Map: Desert Kites<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.discovery.com/archaeology/desert-lines-hunting-tool-kites.html|title=Mysterious Desert Lines Were Animal Traps|last=O'Hanlon|first=Larry |date=Apr 20, 2010|publisher=Discovery News|access-date=21 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13123221 |title=Gazelles caught in ancient Syrian 'killing zones' |last=Amos |first=Jonathan |date=19 April 2011 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=19 April 2011}}</ref> |
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===Navigation aids=== |
===Navigation aids=== |
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The [[inukshuk|inuksuit]] of the Arctic act as navigation aids, an aid for hunting, or to mark important locations. Some petroforms are located along portage routes and canoe routes as well. Human made markers can be easier to remember than |
The [[inukshuk|inuksuit]] of the Arctic act as navigation aids, an aid for hunting, or to mark important locations. The rock marker helped the traveler or hunter to find the best route across the land. Someone left a marker to help anyone else passing through the area, and to help with not getting lost. These markers can have very practical and universal purposes. Some petroforms are located along portage routes and canoe routes as well. Human made markers can be easier to remember than common natural features of the landscape. Rock ridges would have been natural trails through dense forest or wet terrain. Whiteshell Provincial Park petroforms are located on top of the granite ridges that snake through the forest and wetlands landscape. |
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===Burial sites=== |
===Burial sites=== |
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The [[Dolmen]]s widespread in Europe and much of Asia are interpreted as Neolithic burial chambers. Large boulders make excellent long term markers for important and sacred places, just as burial plots are marked by large stones today. Some petroforms could be close to ancient burial areas, or near sacred areas associated with the dead. |
The [[Dolmen]]s widespread in Europe and much of Asia are interpreted as Neolithic burial chambers. Large boulders make excellent long term markers for important and sacred places, just as burial plots are marked by large stones today. Some petroforms could be close to ancient burial areas, or near sacred areas associated with the dead. Large rocks are a universal marker that can last for generations. Boulders will last for tens of thousands of years. In memory of a person or the history about a place, these markers help future generations to learn about the past. These markers help to provide long term memories and reminders of a time long ago.{{Clarify|date=May 2018}} |
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===Mnemonic device=== |
===Mnemonic device=== |
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Indigenous peoples have an oral tradition of story telling. Many of these rock shapes are used to memorize and to help tell stories and legends. Some petroforms go in the order of the story, helping one to memorize the successive steps. |
Indigenous peoples have an oral tradition of story telling. Many of these rock shapes are used to memorize and to help tell stories and legends. Some petroforms go in the order of the story, helping one to memorize the successive steps. Large rocks are very permanent, thereby helping to pass along certain memories, knowledge, and wisdom. Some large boulders in North America have long stories that relate to the area and a memory about that place. A large boulder, sitting alone, catches the eye as a major [[landmark]]. Many petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park have long stories associated with each one. |
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===Other rituals and unknown purposes=== |
===Other rituals and unknown purposes=== |
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[[Indigenous peoples|Aboriginal]] groups also made shapes of humans, snakes, turtles, fish, bears, cougars, [[Thunderbird (mythology)|thunderbirds]], [[medicine wheels]], circles, rectangles, and other complex geometric shapes that are still intact today. There was certainly an attempt to leave their mark upon the landscape, and large boulders or rocks are very permanent markers. The [[Nazca Lines]] include many animal and other shapes. Petroforms in North America are often related to earthen [[mound]]s. Mounds were sometimes built over the older petroforms, or later made near them. Petroforms also marked out the area for various ceremonies, [[sweatlodge]]s, [[fasting]], and sacred fires. They often mark an important or sacred area, or point to an important place. Offerings and prayers are made in these areas, along with initiations and [[vision quests]]. The exact, original purposes of the [[Carnac stones]], [[Stonehenge]], and many other megalithic monuments are lost. |
[[Indigenous peoples|Aboriginal]] groups also made shapes of humans, snakes, turtles, fish, bears, cougars, [[Thunderbird (mythology)|thunderbirds]], [[medicine wheels]], circles, rectangles, and other complex geometric shapes that are still intact today. There was certainly an attempt to leave their mark upon the landscape, and large boulders or rocks are very permanent markers. The [[Nazca Lines]] include many animal and other shapes. Petroforms in North America are often related to earthen [[mound]]s. Mounds were sometimes built over the older petroforms, or later made near them. Petroforms also marked out the area for various ceremonies, [[sweatlodge]]s, [[fasting]], and sacred fires. They often mark an important or sacred area, or point to an important place. Offerings and prayers are made in these areas, along with initiations and [[vision quests]]. The exact, original purposes of the [[Carnac stones]], [[Stonehenge]], and many other megalithic monuments are lost. |
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==Conservation and protection== |
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Many petroform sites are important [[archaeological]] areas that need to be protected from vandals and misuse. In the past, many petroform sites have been disrespected and even [[Avebury#Destruction of the stones|destroyed]]. More education is needed to ensure that petroforms are not neglected or damaged by excessive numbers of visitors to these sites. In some cases, sacred, intact, remote sites should not be disturbed at all, except for important research and exclusive ceremonies. Petroforms, effigies, and other rock art can easily be unintentionally destroyed. Trails should not be made to intact and important historical sites. Rare and significant locations should not be indicated by conspicuous signs. In the Arctic it has been necessary to ask visitors to avoid confusing the [[archaeological]] record by putting up inuksuit of their own. There needs to be more education to ensure that some of these important sites are not easily found, easily misused, and potentially lost forever. Snow mobiles and all terrain vehicles can also easily disturb the rock formations. It is estimated that hundreds of formations were destroyed to clear land for agriculture. There are more petroforms to be discovered that are partially buried under soil, or covered with moss and forest. The requests and wishes of First Nations and their traditional land use areas must be considered. Some petroform areas should be treated like a church or sacred meeting place, and not open to recreational use. |
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==Localities== |
==Localities== |
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[[File:Petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park Manitoba.JPG|thumb|Petroforms in [[Whiteshell Provincial Park]]]] |
[[File:Petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park Manitoba.JPG|thumb|Petroforms in [[Whiteshell Provincial Park]]]] |
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One of the locations of petroform sites, including [[effigies]], is in Southeastern [[Manitoba]], in [[Whiteshell Provincial Park]], |
One of the locations of petroform sites, including [[effigies]], is in Southeastern [[Manitoba]], in [[Whiteshell Provincial Park]], Canada. Whiteshell Park is named after the white [[cowrie]] shells used by some [[Anishinaabe]] peoples in ceremonies. The [[natural landscape]] of the park, with many movable rocks and boulders left behind after the last ice age, gave humans the easy opportunity to arrange them into many human-made patterns. It is an area where three rivers meet, along the edge of the [[Canadian Shield]], close to the edge of prairie grasslands. The rivers were ancient highways and trade routes, bringing humans from far and wide to the area. Some large boulders appear to be carved, chipped, or altered to look like turtle heads and other animals. A very wide variety of petroform shapes are found in the park, including snakes, turtles, geometric lines, patterns, and large circles. Most of the known petroforms are found on the top of granite ridges. The granite ridges and hills are often very flat in areas, resembling a large concrete parking lot. These open areas have a very smooth granite left behind from the last ice age. In some areas there is no soil, no lichen, and the surface is polished to a shine. The large boulders aligned are in striking contrast to the flat granite beneath them. Local First Nations have teachers and elders that pass along the stories associated with some of these petroforms. Many of the sites and their past use is a mystery, with no certain answers. Some elders{{who|date=May 2018}} refer to one site{{which|date=May 2018}} as extremely sacred and important, and few people should venture there. The Midewiwin have oral teachings about some of the petroforms, but no one group claims to know all the history of the area. |
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===Wisconsin=== |
===Wisconsin=== |
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The petroform sites in [[Wisconsin]] are being studied more closely, and can be dated more easily because of soil deposits over centuries. Many other sites have no layers of soil deposited around the petroforms. Forested areas and soil cover have partially protected many of the petroforms in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In many areas across the prairies, large circular [[medicine wheels]] were made as astronomical devices, directional maps, and for ceremonial use. Some of these medicine wheels are large, and many were destroyed for agricultural needs by clearing the grasslands of any rocks. Some are intact, such as in the [[Turtle Mountains (California)|Turtle Mountains]], and other sandy, rocky, or more remote areas that had less crop farms and settlements. [[Mound]] building was also associated in some way with petroform use. Petroforms originally predated the use of mounds and other human-made earthen works that required more time and effort. Although mound building could have originally been necessary and practical to provide some higher ground during floods. There is some speculation that larger mounds would have served as dikes and defensive fortifications, including providing higher ground to keep watch. |
The petroform sites in [[Wisconsin]] are being{{when|date=December 2021}} studied{{by who|date=December 2021}} more closely{{explain|date=December 2021}}, and can be dated more easily because of soil deposits over centuries. Many other sites{{examples|date=December 2021}} have no layers of soil deposited around the petroforms. Forested areas and soil cover have partially protected many of the petroforms in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In many areas{{where|date=December 2021}} across the prairies, large circular [[medicine wheels]] were made as astronomical devices, directional maps, and for ceremonial use. Some{{examples|date=December 2021}} of these medicine wheels are large, and many were destroyed{{by who|date=December 2021}}{{when|date=December 2021}} for agricultural needs by clearing the grasslands of any rocks. Some are intact, such as in the [[Turtle Mountains (California)|Turtle Mountains]], and other sandy, rocky, or more remote areas that had less crop farms and settlements. [[Mound]] building was also associated in some way{{explain|date=December 2021}} with petroform use. Petroforms originally predated the use of mounds and other human-made earthen works that required more time and effort. Although mound building could have{{according to|date=December 2021}} originally been necessary and practical to provide some higher ground during floods. There is some{{vague|date=December 2021}} speculation{{by who|date=December 2021}} that larger mounds would have served as dikes and defensive fortifications, including providing higher ground to keep watch. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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*[[Cairn]] |
*[[Cairn]] |
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*[[Hopewell culture]] |
*[[Hopewell culture]] |
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*[[Inukshuk]] |
*[[Inukshuk]] |
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*[[Petrosomatoglyph]] |
*[[Petrosomatoglyph]] |
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*[[Pictograph]] |
*[[Pictograph]] |
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*[[Rock |
*[[Rock art]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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*[http://webpages.charter.net/magf/current%20research.htm Current Research on Wisconsin Petroforms by Jack Steinbring] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081123084446/http://webpages.charter.net/magf/current%20research.htm Current Research on Wisconsin Petroforms by Jack Steinbring] |
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*[ |
*[https://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/popular_parks/petroforms/info.html Manitoba Conservation and Manitoba Historic Resources] |
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*[http://www.tcinternet.net/users/cbailey/petroform.html Petroform-Mound Linkage in East Central Wisconsin by Jack Steinbring] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060509005602/http://www.tcinternet.net/users/cbailey/petroform.html Petroform-Mound Linkage in East Central Wisconsin by Jack Steinbring] |
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*[http://www.nativepeoples.com/article/articles/197/1/Petroforms.html Petroforms As It Is Above, So It Is Below by Patricia A. Kurtz] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090106031513/http://www.nativepeoples.com/article/articles/197/1/Petroforms.html Petroforms As It Is Above, So It Is Below by Patricia A. Kurtz] |
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*Steinbring, Jack 1970 "Boulder Site In Southeastern Manitoba," in Ten Thousand Years: Archaeology In Manitoba, Walter Hlady, Edit., pp. 223–268, Manitoba Archaeological Society, Winnipeg. |
*Steinbring, Jack 1970 "Boulder Site In Southeastern Manitoba," in Ten Thousand Years: Archaeology In Manitoba, Walter Hlady, Edit., pp. 223–268, Manitoba Archaeological Society, Winnipeg. |
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*Danziger, E and R.T. Callaghan 1986 “The Southeastern Manitoba Petroforms,” in Studies in Manitoba Rock Art: Petroforms, Province of Manitoba Historic Resources Branch, 2nd Edition, Second Printing, Winnipeg. |
*Danziger, E and R.T. Callaghan 1986 “The Southeastern Manitoba Petroforms,” in Studies in Manitoba Rock Art: Petroforms, Province of Manitoba Historic Resources Branch, 2nd Edition, Second Printing, Winnipeg. |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [https://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ll=50.11418,-95.613885&spn=0.003529,0.009645&t=h&z=17 Google Maps of Whiteshell Provincial Park] |
* [https://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ll=50.11418,-95.613885&spn=0.003529,0.009645&t=h&z=17 Google Maps of Whiteshell Provincial Park] |
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* [ |
* [https://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/popular_parks/petroforms/ Bannock Point Petrofoms] |
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* [http://middlewesterner.typepad.com/middlewesterner/2005/05/2005_esrara_roc.html More information from ''The Middlewesterner''] |
* [http://middlewesterner.typepad.com/middlewesterner/2005/05/2005_esrara_roc.html More information from ''The Middlewesterner''] |
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* [http://www.irfs.com/Petroform.html Petroforms of Montana] |
* [http://www.irfs.com/Petroform.html Petroforms of Montana] |
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* [http://www.tcinternet.net/users/cbailey/petroform.html Petroforms of central Wisconsin] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20001117020400/http://www.tcinternet.net/users/cbailey/petroform.html Petroforms of central Wisconsin] |
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* [http://www.turtlemountain.org/exhibits/mythandhistory/astronomy Turtle Mountain petroforms] |
* [http://www.turtlemountain.org/exhibits/mythandhistory/astronomy Turtle Mountain petroforms] |
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* [http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/fyi/whiteshells-sacred-stones-126445578.html Winnipeg Free Press] |
* [http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/fyi/whiteshells-sacred-stones-126445578.html Winnipeg Free Press] |
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Latest revision as of 19:53, 31 January 2024
 | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with North America and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (February 2018) |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2013) |
Petroforms, also known as boulder outlines or boulder mosaics, are human-made shapes and patterns made by lining up large rocks on the open ground, often on quite level areas. Petroforms in North America were originally made by various Native American and First Nation tribes, who used various terms to describe them. Petroforms can also include a rock cairn or inukshuk, an upright monolith slab, a medicine wheel, a fire pit, a desert kite, sculpted boulders, or simply rocks lined up or stacked for various reasons. Old World petroforms include the Carnac stones and many other megalithic monuments.[1]
Definition
[edit]Petroforms are shapes and geometrical patterns made from arranging large rocks and boulders, often over large areas of open ground, unlike the smaller petroglyphs and graphs which are inscribed on rock surfaces. They were originally made in North America by native peoples for astronomical, religious, sacred, healing, mnemonic devices, and teaching purposes. The specific names of these rock formations and the uses varied by political and religious group. Presently, some of these sites are still being used by First Nations, elders, and others.
History
[edit]The first stone phase at Stonehenge has been dated to about 2600 BCE. Stone circles are still being made in Wales as part of the Eisteddfod movement, which incorporates this among other elements from the Druidic revival. Desert kites were used possibly by 3000 BCE;[citation needed] they fell out of use in the Neolithic as prey populations declined and the human population rose.
Some of the North American petroform shapes are over 2,500 years old.[citation needed] It is difficult to date all of them accurately because of a lack of soil deposits in some areas. Like the petroglyphs, many petroforms have complex and lengthy teachings that have been passed down orally by the Ojibwe, other First Nations, and the Midewiwin. Some teachings may have been lost, along with the peoples that originally made some of the oldest petroforms in North America. In some North American states and provinces, there are laws to protect these important archaeological and historical sites. There were very few studies or specific mention of Manitoba petroform sites until the 20th century. The first detailed studies and descriptions of some sites in Manitoba were done by J. Steinbring and R. Sutton after the 1950s.[citation needed]
Presently, many Ojibwe or Anishinaabe ceremonies in North America involve the making of turtle-shaped fire pits for sacred fires. In some instances, rocks are aligned near the entrance and fire of sweat lodge ceremonies that symbolize the Moon, the Sun and other things. Rock piles are still made to mark trails and important locations. A large turtle petroform of piled up boulders was recently made in the Whiteshell Park area of Manitoba.[citation needed]
Designs and purposes
[edit]In some cases, petroforms were made by non-literate cultures who have left no written record of whatever reasons led them to construct these forms. Oral history was passed along by many native groups, and a few groups had very complex symbolic writings on rock, petroglyphs, birch bark scrolls, and other media.
Astronomical markers
[edit]Some petroforms were used as astronomical calendars, with rocks aligned to solstice and equinox sunrises and sunsets. They are often found in higher areas, on hills, mounds, ridges, and natural rock formations. Higher ground allowed humans to carefully observe the horizon to mark and measure astronomical events. Some rock alignments point out four or more directions, lunar events, the rising and setting of planets, some stars, and other astronomical events. Some petroforms can also be used in more complex ways for astronomical predictions, mapping of the sky and ground, and for complex ceremonies that help to memorize many oral stories and songs. Petroforms are similar in some ways to medicine wheels which are also aligned with sunrises and sunsets, equinoxes, solstices, lunar events, and star patterns. Petroforms also mirrored the night sky, and the patterns of the stars, similar to astrological signs and symbols. The Sioux have oral stories of the serpent in the sky, a turtle, a bear, and other patterns seen in the stars. What is often known today as Orion's belt was one prominent, bright star formation, along with the central and stationary north star, now named as Polaris. What is now known as the planet Venus is the very bright morning and evening star that is very noticeable and at times is the first and last to appear.[citation needed] Petroform sites in North America can be found in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming, Montana, along the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, and elsewhere. It has been suggested that megalithic monuments including Stonehenge may have incorporated important astronomical alignments.
Hunting aids
[edit]The desert kites of Syria, Jordan, and the Negev—long lines of stones—are interpreted as aids to hunting large game animals like gazelles, ibexes, wild asses. There are similar structures on most continents.[2][3][4][5]
Navigation aids
[edit]The inuksuit of the Arctic act as navigation aids, an aid for hunting, or to mark important locations. The rock marker helped the traveler or hunter to find the best route across the land. Someone left a marker to help anyone else passing through the area, and to help with not getting lost. These markers can have very practical and universal purposes. Some petroforms are located along portage routes and canoe routes as well. Human made markers can be easier to remember than common natural features of the landscape. Rock ridges would have been natural trails through dense forest or wet terrain. Whiteshell Provincial Park petroforms are located on top of the granite ridges that snake through the forest and wetlands landscape.
Burial sites
[edit]The Dolmens widespread in Europe and much of Asia are interpreted as Neolithic burial chambers. Large boulders make excellent long term markers for important and sacred places, just as burial plots are marked by large stones today. Some petroforms could be close to ancient burial areas, or near sacred areas associated with the dead. Large rocks are a universal marker that can last for generations. Boulders will last for tens of thousands of years. In memory of a person or the history about a place, these markers help future generations to learn about the past. These markers help to provide long term memories and reminders of a time long ago.[clarification needed]
Mnemonic device
[edit]Indigenous peoples have an oral tradition of story telling. Many of these rock shapes are used to memorize and to help tell stories and legends. Some petroforms go in the order of the story, helping one to memorize the successive steps. Large rocks are very permanent, thereby helping to pass along certain memories, knowledge, and wisdom. Some large boulders in North America have long stories that relate to the area and a memory about that place. A large boulder, sitting alone, catches the eye as a major landmark. Many petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park have long stories associated with each one.
Other rituals and unknown purposes
[edit]Aboriginal groups also made shapes of humans, snakes, turtles, fish, bears, cougars, thunderbirds, medicine wheels, circles, rectangles, and other complex geometric shapes that are still intact today. There was certainly an attempt to leave their mark upon the landscape, and large boulders or rocks are very permanent markers. The Nazca Lines include many animal and other shapes. Petroforms in North America are often related to earthen mounds. Mounds were sometimes built over the older petroforms, or later made near them. Petroforms also marked out the area for various ceremonies, sweatlodges, fasting, and sacred fires. They often mark an important or sacred area, or point to an important place. Offerings and prayers are made in these areas, along with initiations and vision quests. The exact, original purposes of the Carnac stones, Stonehenge, and many other megalithic monuments are lost.
Localities
[edit]Whiteshell Provincial Park
[edit]
One of the locations of petroform sites, including effigies, is in Southeastern Manitoba, in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Canada. Whiteshell Park is named after the white cowrie shells used by some Anishinaabe peoples in ceremonies. The natural landscape of the park, with many movable rocks and boulders left behind after the last ice age, gave humans the easy opportunity to arrange them into many human-made patterns. It is an area where three rivers meet, along the edge of the Canadian Shield, close to the edge of prairie grasslands. The rivers were ancient highways and trade routes, bringing humans from far and wide to the area. Some large boulders appear to be carved, chipped, or altered to look like turtle heads and other animals. A very wide variety of petroform shapes are found in the park, including snakes, turtles, geometric lines, patterns, and large circles. Most of the known petroforms are found on the top of granite ridges. The granite ridges and hills are often very flat in areas, resembling a large concrete parking lot. These open areas have a very smooth granite left behind from the last ice age. In some areas there is no soil, no lichen, and the surface is polished to a shine. The large boulders aligned are in striking contrast to the flat granite beneath them. Local First Nations have teachers and elders that pass along the stories associated with some of these petroforms. Many of the sites and their past use is a mystery, with no certain answers. Some elders[who?] refer to one site[which?] as extremely sacred and important, and few people should venture there. The Midewiwin have oral teachings about some of the petroforms, but no one group claims to know all the history of the area.
Wisconsin
[edit]The petroform sites in Wisconsin are being[when?] studied[by whom?] more closely[further explanation needed], and can be dated more easily because of soil deposits over centuries. Many other sites[example needed] have no layers of soil deposited around the petroforms. Forested areas and soil cover have partially protected many of the petroforms in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In many areas[where?] across the prairies, large circular medicine wheels were made as astronomical devices, directional maps, and for ceremonial use. Some[example needed] of these medicine wheels are large, and many were destroyed[by whom?][when?] for agricultural needs by clearing the grasslands of any rocks. Some are intact, such as in the Turtle Mountains, and other sandy, rocky, or more remote areas that had less crop farms and settlements. Mound building was also associated in some way[further explanation needed] with petroform use. Petroforms originally predated the use of mounds and other human-made earthen works that required more time and effort. Although mound building could have[according to whom?] originally been necessary and practical to provide some higher ground during floods. There is some[vague] speculation[by whom?] that larger mounds would have served as dikes and defensive fortifications, including providing higher ground to keep watch.
See also
[edit]- Buffalo jump
- Cairn
- Hopewell culture
- Inukshuk
- Mound
- Mound builder (people)
- Petroglyph
- Petrosomatoglyph
- Pictograph
- Rock art
References
[edit]- ^ The Megalithic Portal and Megalith Map:
- ^ Sinai: Excavations and Studies. Ze'ev Meshel. 2000. BAR S876. ISBN 978-1-84171-077-8
- ^ The Megalithic Portal and Megalith Map: Desert Kites
- ^ O'Hanlon, Larry (Apr 20, 2010). "Mysterious Desert Lines Were Animal Traps". Discovery News. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
- ^ Amos, Jonathan (19 April 2011). "Gazelles caught in ancient Syrian 'killing zones'". BBC News. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
- Current Research on Wisconsin Petroforms by Jack Steinbring
- Manitoba Conservation and Manitoba Historic Resources
- Petroform-Mound Linkage in East Central Wisconsin by Jack Steinbring
- Petroforms As It Is Above, So It Is Below by Patricia A. Kurtz
- Steinbring, Jack 1970 "Boulder Site In Southeastern Manitoba," in Ten Thousand Years: Archaeology In Manitoba, Walter Hlady, Edit., pp. 223–268, Manitoba Archaeological Society, Winnipeg.
- Danziger, E and R.T. Callaghan 1986 “The Southeastern Manitoba Petroforms,” in Studies in Manitoba Rock Art: Petroforms, Province of Manitoba Historic Resources Branch, 2nd Edition, Second Printing, Winnipeg.