I became interested in ancient rock writing when I visited the area around Moab, Utah, a little over a year ago and was fascinated by the petroglyphs -- carved into rock -- and pictographs -- painted onto rock -- that exist at a number of sites around the area.
This ancient form of prehistoric Native American communication has a mystical quality. When you think that 800 to 1200 years ago it was carved or painted onto a rock by a person or persons standing almost where you stand today, it is awe inspiring. I feel like I'm privileged to see an ancient communiqué.
There are many such sites scattered around Utah and the southwest portion of the United States, but less than a handful when it comes to the Heartland and the Great Lakes region. There are only three sites; one each located in Ohio, Minnesota and Michigan.
I visited Michigan's Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park on Monday. It contains the Lower Peninsula's only known rock carvings attributable to Native Americans, and is located on 240 acres in the Thumb near Cass City. It used to be thought that it was the only site located in the Wolverine State, but some have recently been found in the UP.
The carvings near Cass City were discovered by local residents well over a century ago when fire swept through the area in 1881 uncovering the carvings, which are estimated to have been made between 400 and 1000 years ago.
The petroglyphs, carved on a large sandstone slab, include depictions of swirls, lines, handprints, flying birds, bow-wielding men, and, unfortunately, graffiti by modern man. The carvings provide a glimpse into the lives of ancient, woodland people who once occupied the Thumb area.
Steps were taken a few years ago to put a roof over the exhibit and a towering fence to protect the carvings from harsh elements and encroaching humans. Generations of visitors have been hard on the site, and, combined with natural weathering; it has made the actual petroglyphs difficult to see. A display at the site shows a depiction of the carvings and an interpretation that was made in 1957, and today it's hard to recognize all the carvings.
"That interpretation was made a little over 50 years ago, and today about half of the figures are no longer visible," said park supervisor George Lauinger. "At the rate they are disappearing we may not have much left in another 10 to 20 years.
"We've stopped the wear and tear of human damage with the fence and having attendants on duty when the park is open for viewing, which helps protect the carvings from the footprints and fingers of curious people. But, they are still subject to harsh elements of weather even with a roof over the sandstone slab. The sides are all open."
Lauinger said he would like to see an enclosed building constructed over the petroglyphs, like Canada did for similar carvings in Peterborough, Ontario.
"Considering the economy, we have very limited funds through the state to preserve this site, and we are trying to form a Friends' group to help raise the funds necessary to protect this important archeological site," said the park supervisor. "We welcome the help of private individuals and organizations to keep this unique historical resource from disappearing."
That would be a shame to see the carvings disappear. They have a great story to tell, and it's a link to our history and the people that existed here long before Europeans moved in.
An open house is being hosted on Saturday, June 28. Attendants will be on hand to help interpret the symbols, explain the historical significance of the carvings and sign people up for the fledgling Friends' group. A variety of demonstrations will be conducted, such as flint-knapping and Native American flute playing. Interpretive displays will include atlatls (ancient spears), extensive taxidermy and history exhibits.
Also located in the 240-acre park is a mile-and-a-half trail that winds among sandstone rock outcroppings on the property and down along the South Branch of the Cass River. Interpretive signs along the hike point out features of the area and a large meadow that was believed to have been where Indian camps were located.
More information about the Friends' group is available by calling Lauinger at (986) 856-4411. The petroglyphs are located off Germania Road between the village of New Greenleaf and Cass City in the Thumb. The park is open for normal hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday from late May through late August and closed the rest of the year.
It's a trip well worth making just for the history, and to stand by this stone that Native Americans carved on perhaps as long ago as 1,000 years. You can still see many of the original carvings even though they are fading. Unfortunately it may not be around much longer unless funding can be secured to fully protect them.
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