Reading Rock Art : Interpreting the Indian Rock Paintings of the Canadian Shield

Annotation Over 400 rock paintings adorn the Canadian Shield from Quebec, across Ontario and as far west as Saskatchewan. The pictographs are the legacy of the Algonkian-speaking Cree and Ojibway, whose roots may extend to the beginnings of human occupancy in the region almost 10,000 years ago. Archaeologist Grace Rajnovich spent fourteen years of field research uncovering a multitude of clues as to the meanings of the paintings. She has written a text which is unique in its ability to 'see' the paintings from a traditional native viewpoint. Skillfully weaving the imagery, metaphors and traditions of the Cree and Ojibway, the author has recaptured the poetry and wisdom of an ancient culture. Chief Willie Wilson of the Rainy River Band considers Grace's work 'innovative and original' More than 400 rock paintings adorn the Canadian Shield from Quebec, across Ontario and as far west as Saskatchewan. The pictographs are the legacy of the Algonkian-speaking Cree and Ojibway, whose roots may extend to the beginnings of human occupancy in the region almost 10,000 years ago. Archaeologist Grace Rajnovich spent fourteen years of field research uncovering a multitude of clues as to the meanings of the paintings. She has written a text which is unique in its ability to "see" the paintings from a traditional native viewpoint. Skilfully weaving the imagery, metaphors and traditions of the Cree and Ojibway, the author has recaptured the poetry and wisdom of an ancient culture. Chief Willie Wilson of the Rainy River Band considers Grace’s work "innovative and original." Contents......Page 6 Foreword......Page 7 1. Visions in the Quest for Medicine......Page 10 2. Dating Rock Art......Page 42 3. Secular and Sacred Picture Writing......Page 58 4. Interpreting the Rock Paintings using Algonkian Picture Writing......Page 66 5. "A Stone is filled with Spirit Power"......Page 146 6. Conclusions: "My Painting Makes Me a Manitou"......Page 160 Footnotes......Page 166 List of Figures......Page 175 Alphabetical List of Rock Art Sites Mentioned in the Text......Page 179 Bibliography and Suggested Reading......Page 181 About the Author......Page 191 About the Illustrators......Page 192