“CANYON MYSTERIES”
Bronze, Edition of 40
7”W x 42”H x 10”D
During my years as a river guide, I spent a lot of time in the Grand Canyon. Some intriguing split twig figurines have been found in the caves along the river. Archaeologists think that these little animal like effigies were used in preparation for a hunt. They would be found in caves among pile of prehistoric animal skeletons and placed on small altars. Since these caves were mostly found in very high, nearly inaccessible areas the animals were thought to have been brought to the site by giant raptors or giant condors as whole animals. The warriors would then choose to pay homage to these great natural hunters by building altars within their ancestral nests.
Carbon dating puts the age of the woven figures at approximately 2,000 B.C. which would place them in the early to mid Basket Maker Culture. Since this time period was before the bow and arrow, spears were used for hunting. The spears would be mounted in a device called an atlatl and then thrown up to 150 yards. With miniature spear heads found within the animal effigies, it seems that the Canyon has given us at least a glimpse into the life and mysteries of its ancient peoples.
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