“The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”
L.P. Hartley
Only Myths and Mythology? or Yes, It Was Time!
Chapter 6
Part 1
As the above quote from author L.P. Hartley illustrates, the past can be like a foreign country to many of us. Why is that? It is because when viewing the past, far too often, we view it through the lenses of modern eyes. We erroneously tend to think that if people in the pre-historic past didn’t do things quite the way we modern humans do then that inherently classifies them as primitive. When you think about it, that’s a fairly narrow viewpoint. The fact of the matter is, people in the ancient past did things differently because they were different. Their world was not our world. They lived in vastly different times and as such they created things in ways that made sense to them. Their art, their language, and their method of recording history are a reflection of the period in which they lived. The multitude of stones that they produced are no exception.
Earlier in this work, I said that it was clear that the Aha people could have created these stones in a much simpler fashion. Now, let me add context to that statement. Although it may sometimes be difficult for us to view the many faces and images contained on these stones, I’m certain that to the artisans that made them it was a fairly simple exercise. Why do I say that? Just think, if the function of these stones was to trasmit information and stories from their history, by necessity they had to be easily understood. As such, I have no doubt that these types of stones were ubiquitous in regards to the Aha civilization. Whereas we view these lithic masterpieces as unusual in their creation, unorthodox in their design, and unique in their appearances, when these stones were first made it would have been in the artistic styles of the day. This method of creating and fashioning stones would perhaps have taken millenia to perfect. Furthermore, the fact that these types of stones have been found throughout the Americas suggests a common system that was both widely used and widely comprehended by the masses. So, why make many of these pieces mimic broken or fractured stones? I have a theory that might just answer that question. I’ll present it later, but for now let’s just settle on the fact that it was the past and “…they [did] things differently there”. How different? Very! But, let’s not let those differences get in the way of our understanding 👌. After all, isn’t that what knowledge leads to, understanding 😉.
Now, are you ready to get back to viewing these amazing stones? I bet you are. Let’s start with incredible piece below.
With this stone we’ll be doing something a tad bit different. Initially you are being provided with two views of the same stone. To change perspectives between the two views, the stone was rotated about 90⁰ clockwise 🔁 along its curved base. You will be analyzing this piece on your own absent my input for now. Why? Because I need you to pick out at least one of the many faces or images without any assistance. As a visual prompt you will find two short clips 🎥 below. If you remember all that has been said since the introduction of this work this should be fun and super easy 😀 👍. If remembering is not quite your thing 😂, referencing key parts of the last chapter will provide a “cheat sheet” of sorts 😎.
Before the conclusion of this chapter we will revisit this piece. I will discuss the images you see as well as the ones you might have missed. We will also cover other images associated with this stone. For me, it will be interesting to learn if our eyes discern the same images. Also, this piece has a special suprise; the Time symbol in a more standard form. Did you already notice it? If you did I’m super impressed 😷. If you missed it, never forget that symbols can be found anywhere on these stones and in a variety of ways. I know that’s been said before, but some things bare repeating. In chapter 5 you were shown both a gouged variation of the Time symbol as well as a comparison to the basic Time symbol. Although you might not have believed it 🧐, Yes, it was time ⏳. In this example the Time symbol has been painted onto the surface of the stone like the other symbols that are present. The symbol itself is a part of the black banding adorning this stone. Black banding that makes up a written inscription. And yes, I said inscription because in this example the black pigments help to comprise just that, an inscription. That said, once you have located the time symbol pat yourself on the back 👏. You have increased your knowledge and should be proud 🎉 🌟 🌟.
While you ponder the intricate details of the last stone, let’s take a look at some more truly incredible pieces.
In detailing certain stones I described creatures or beings that are not usually associated with the Americas. Creatures associated with myths and mythology. Creatures like dragons, orcs, and ogres. While myths of dragons 🐉 can be found the world over, myths of orcs and ogres are mainly found in European cultures. That being the case, why would depictions of such mythological creatures be found here in North America? As you might imagine, I have a theory that might explain this enigma. I’ll tell it to you later as well 🤐 😂. For now let’s look at another slightly out of place mythological being. One not usually associated with the Americas.
Can you see the face painted on the stone like a silhouette in black? It’s front and center located in the shallow gouged area of the stone. The face is pictured from the right 👉 profile. So, what exactly is it the profile of? For centuries we humans have called them by lots of names. I’m going to use what’s most familiar and tell you that it’s a “mythological” Fairy 🧚♀️ or Sprite 🧚♂️. Honestly, the name I prefer is the name it’s given in Scotland, the Wil-o’-the-Wisp. It’s just something about the way it rolls off the tongue 🤣. Anyway, we’re not going to discuss the many, many legends associated with these fabled creatures. It would take entirely too long and right now the many legends are not germane to our discussion. Not yet at least. Still, I encourage you to research some of the folklore associated with them. Notably, these mythological creatures are usually thought of as some sort of elemental entities. They are typically portrayed as happy, helpful, friendly creatures, but that’s not always the case. In Scottish folklore for example they are often portrayed as acting mischievously through the use of fire 🔥, one of the four basic elements. Interesting, huh? Remember, all oral traditions, legends, and fairytales started somewhere, with someone, somehow. The question is, just how old are the original stories? Better still, how many variations of these stories, legends, and fairytales have there been? I sometimes wonder, what if some parts of the countless mythological tales told around the world were true 🤔 💭?
Now before getting to far afield let’s discuss this mind-blowing stone. Did you notice the reddish-orange banding that encircles the entire head? The same reddish-orange color that symbolizes fire. Then we have an elongated shape that forms the right eye. If you look closely you will see that the inner borders of the eye also contains reddish-orange pigmentation. Did you notice how much lighter the eye is as compared to the blackened skin of the face? Told ya 😜 😁! These stones have orientation points built in 🤗. Next, there is a interestingly shaped pointed right ear visible. It too is much lighter than the blackened face. This lets us know that the right ear will also double as an eye for another image on this stone. Unfortunately, there are three small chips present in the blackened face area. Fortunately it is minimal and it does not stop us from viewing this face in detail. You’re going to be shown several more faces connected to this piece shortly. Before we get to them though, there is another piece I would like to introduce.
Since we’re on the topic of mythological creatures, let’s cover one indigenous to North America. Until a few years ago I had never heard of these entities. Some of you reading this probably still haven’t. By sheer fate I happened to catch a small portion of some random television 📺 show that was on one evening. If not for it it’s doubtful that I would have learned of these mythological beings. Like I said it was sheer fate. And, as fate would have it, I caught the program right as they were showing a statue of these mythological beings. In retrospect it proved to be more than fortuitous. When you see the next stone you will understand why.
This Simple style stone is comprised of white terracotta representing white skin. The head and face were done in a reverse teardrop pattern. The left eye is made by a painted black vertical rectangular bar. This rectangular bar rest inside of a small angular concave gouge. A right eye is absent, but like many stones, the omission of one eye was intentional. The nose is slightly round and bulbous and the figure appears to be frowning. A wide and truncated neck slopes downward from left to right. Also, the reddish-orange pigments seen symbolically tell us what happened to the face.
So what does this stone have to do with North American mythology? Believe it or not, this piece bares an uncanny resemblance to what’s called the “Cherokee moon-eyed people”. Below you will find a side by side pictorial comparison between this stone and a statue thought to depict the mythological beings.
Do you see how similar the reverse teardrop shaped faces are? Interesting 🤔.
Note: I am not stating that the above stone can be ascribed to the “Cherokee moon-eyed people”. I’m merely making a comparison in how similar these two, seemingly unconnected, stone art pieces look. It interesting however that according to legend the Cherokee moon-eyed people had a pale complexion and impaired vision. Hmph. Pale complexion and impaired vision. Almost sounds like the white (pale) skinned stone above with its one eye (impaired vision). I’m just saying… 🤣
The reverse side of this stone is equally impressive. It was done in the Add-To style with a black stone inlay. The inlaid stone isn’t just decorative, it is a symbol in its standard or base form. I’ll tell you what this symbol is when we get to the chapter on language, I promise ✋️. Depending upon how the stone is rotated this base symbol doubles as an eye helping to create additional images with this stone.
Have you found the faces and images on the Rocker stone shown to earlier? Did you use the information that was given in chapter 5 about why certain stones were made to rock? Great! We’ll get back to that stone in a few. Next I’m going show you some really amazing things about the other two stones shown in this chapter.
I would like to sincerely thank all of you for the continued support. It is humbling that so many of you around the world 🗺 are interested in this work. If you haven’t already, please bookmark 🔖 and please share to help get the word out. Again, thanks 😊 ✌🏻. Next post, Chapter 6, Part 2