Who Built the Bighorn Medicine Wheel? Unraveling the Mysteries of a Sacred Site
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, perched atop the Medicine Mountain in Wyoming, USA, is a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual depth of its creators. This circular arrangement of stones, spanning approximately 80 feet in diameter, has intrigued archaeologists, historians, and Indigenous communities for centuries. While the exact purpose and builders of the wheel remain subjects of debate, the available evidence allows us to piece together a compelling narrative of its significance and the people who likely constructed it.
Physical Description and Archaeological Context
The Medicine Wheel is composed of a central cairn, or pile of stones, surrounded by a circular ring of stones. Radiating outwards from the central cairn are 28 spokes, or lines of stones, creating a wheel-like pattern. Six additional cairns, or stone piles, are located around the outer ring, forming a distinct alignment. This intricate design is situated at an elevation of approximately 9,642 feet, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Archaeological investigations have dated the construction of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel to between 1500 and 1800 AD, though some scholars suggest it could be older. The site’s remote location, coupled with its astronomical alignments, suggests that it was not a place of daily living but rather a ceremonial or ritual site. The stones themselves are of local origin, primarily limestone and quartzite, sourced from the immediate vicinity. The construction of the wheel would have required considerable effort, involving the transportation and precise placement of these heavy stones.
Hypotheses on the Builders
The identity of the builders of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a complex and contested issue. Several hypotheses have been proposed, based on historical records, oral traditions, and archaeological evidence.
- Plains Indigenous Groups: The most widely accepted theory posits that the Medicine Wheel was constructed by Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains, specifically the Crow, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. These groups inhabited the region during the period when the wheel was likely built. Their oral histories and traditional practices include astronomical knowledge, ritual ceremonies, and the use of stone structures for religious purposes. The alignment of the Medicine Wheel with the rising and setting of the sun, moon, and certain stars suggests that it was used for celestial observations and calendrical purposes.
- Early European Explorers and Settlers: A lesser-known theory proposes that early European explorers or settlers may have constructed the Medicine Wheel. However, this theory is largely unsupported by evidence. The construction of the wheel predates significant European presence in the area. Moreover, the astronomical knowledge and cultural practices associated with the Medicine Wheel align with those of Indigenous groups, not European traditions.
- Other Indigenous Groups: While the Plains tribes are the primary candidates, it’s possible that other Indigenous groups, who may have visited or interacted with the region during the construction period, could have contributed to the Medicine Wheel. However, there is limited evidence to support this theory.
Evidence Supporting Plains Indigenous Builders
Several lines of evidence support the theory that Plains Indigenous groups built the Bighorn Medicine Wheel.
- Oral Traditions: Oral traditions of the Crow, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes recount stories of the Medicine Wheel and its significance. These stories describe the wheel as a place of prayer, ceremony, and spiritual connection. The oral traditions also highlight the Indigenous peoples’ understanding of celestial events and their ability to incorporate this knowledge into their cultural practices.
- Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological findings at the Medicine Wheel site and related sites in the region support the Indigenous builders theory. Artifacts such as arrowheads, pottery shards, and other cultural items suggest that Indigenous peoples occupied the area during the construction period.
- Astronomical Alignments: The precise alignment of the Medicine Wheel with celestial events, such as the summer solstice sunrise, the rising and setting of certain stars, and the alignment of the cairns with other astronomical events, indicates that the builders possessed advanced astronomical knowledge. This level of understanding is consistent with the knowledge and practices of Plains Indigenous groups.
- Cultural Practices: Plains Indigenous groups had established cultural practices and rituals that involved the use of stone structures for spiritual purposes. The Medicine Wheel’s circular design and astronomical alignments align with these practices, suggesting that it was used for ceremonial or religious purposes.
The Purpose of the Medicine Wheel
The precise purpose of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. However, based on the available evidence, several interpretations have emerged.
- Calendrical and Astronomical Observations: The Medicine Wheel likely served as a tool for observing and tracking celestial events, particularly the solstices and equinoxes. The alignment of the stones with the rising and setting of the sun, moon, and certain stars would have allowed the builders to anticipate seasonal changes, plan agricultural activities, and conduct religious ceremonies.
- Ceremonial and Ritual Site: The Medicine Wheel was likely used for religious ceremonies and rituals. The circular design, the arrangement of the cairns, and the astronomical alignments suggest that the wheel was a sacred space where individuals could connect with the spiritual realm and seek guidance from the cosmos.
- Educational and Knowledge Center: The Medicine Wheel may have served as a center for transmitting knowledge about astronomy, calendrical systems, and other aspects of the natural world. The wheel’s construction and use would have required specialized knowledge, which would have been passed down through generations.
- Spiritual and Healing Center: The Medicine Wheel might have been a site for healing rituals and spiritual practices. The remote location, the panoramic views, and the connection to celestial events could have created a powerful atmosphere for individuals seeking spiritual guidance or healing.
Respect and Preservation
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a significant cultural and historical site. It is essential to approach the site with respect and to recognize its cultural significance for Indigenous communities. Efforts are underway to protect and preserve the Medicine Wheel, including managing tourism, preventing vandalism, and collaborating with Indigenous groups to interpret and understand the site.
Conclusion
The question of who built the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is not easily answered, but the evidence strongly suggests that Plains Indigenous groups were the primary builders. Their oral traditions, archaeological evidence, astronomical knowledge, and cultural practices align with the wheel’s construction and purpose. The Medicine Wheel stands as a testament to the ingenuity, spiritual depth, and astronomical knowledge of its creators. It is a place of ongoing learning and a reminder of the enduring connection between humans and the cosmos. Further research, including collaboration with Indigenous communities, will undoubtedly provide more insights into the mysteries of this remarkable site and help us appreciate the legacy of those who built it.
