PRE-CLASSIC STONE CARVINGS IN
WESTERN INDIANA?
Description of Collection Locality (also see Poem) Mike and Gerry Cloncs, Montgomery County, Indiana (Contacts) Please CLICK on underlined
Subject Matter to view: The site is located in West central Indiana (Photo). The various
stones or cobbles were found along a creek, and also on tilled ground. Some were also located along a little
ditch, and another little creek that feeds into the same larger creek. The bottom field, along this creek has
been flooded at times causing erosion over many years. Also, there had been an Amerindian village
close by in the same low valley, but there is no data of its age. More than likely it had been used by many
cultures. Parts of the field have
become depressed—washed away. The
soil is quite sandy in certain places.
Part of the small field also consists of loam. Portions are obviously subsoil. Many stones seem to have worked their way
up—and, as stated much of the soil has been eroded. A very helpful Geologist of the U.S. Geological Survey related
to us that this is a non-glaciated area of Indiana, so the markings could not
have been made by glacier movement or natural weathering phenomena. We find perfect large and small points,
celts, and scrapers (see Tools). Some of these also have the markings. To the North, there is a rise. At one time it was a little hill—in
another adjacent field. The owner of
that field bulldozed it a bit more level.
However, even before this, we found—and still find many artifacts/rocks
at the base of that hill. There are
hills along this field at one end.
Many stones are located there.
Having some experience on farms, we are aware of what a plow and disc
can do to rocks. Plough disc scrapes
are indeed seen now and then, and usually, unless there are other markings on
a rock, these are discarded. These
stones do not appear to have been designed by haphazard disc scrapes, natural
inclusions, broken edges or natural weathering phenomena. There are many stylized
patterns, consistent markings and carvings among the many specimens. This site shows possible signs of human
activity over a very long time period [see Authentication]. Besides the tools and probably some early forms of writing
there are many stones that are carved in the shape of human heads, and
animals. However, many of the stones
have only small, 3-10 cm. carvings located on their surfaces. There are numerous “cameos” carved
directly on the quartz or other materials in the rocks that depict humans
either solitary or in groups engaged in various activities, and animals. Of the latter a principal theme is the
American lion (Panthera atrox), primarily males, and guanacos, bison,
horses, and some wild pigs. One
carving depicts a rider on horseback. Other categories: Human Shapes Animal Shapes Misc. Shapes Inscriptions Tools Unidentified Markings |
