PETROGLYPH

ca. 350-2000

(Buce Waage)

1988.14.01

This enigmatic rock panel came from the Ellison Rock Formation near Colstrip. Before mining the area, the Western Energy Company removed a series of petroglyphs and donated this piece to the Montana Historical Society. Petroglyphic images of shield bearing warriors like these have been found throughout the Northern Plains. Here, the central warrior stands with two smaller figures to his right. Another small figure, faintly visible to the left, seems to be unrelated to the other images. The date is unknown, but it is thought to have been created between 350 and 2,000 years ago. We do not know who carved these obscure images and their exact meaning remains open to interpretation. Perhaps the main character is a great warrior and the smaller figures are followers, or perhaps they represent the children of the main shield bearer - we will likely never fully understand the original message the images conveyed.