When Was The Bighorn Medicine Wheel Built? Unveiling the Mysteries of a Sacred Landmark
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, a remarkable stone structure perched high in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, is a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of Native American peoples. Its intricate design, consisting of a central cairn, radiating spokes, and an outer ring, has captivated researchers, historians, and spiritual seekers for centuries. However, the precise date of its construction remains a subject of ongoing debate and exploration. This article delves into the various theories, archaeological evidence, and cultural significance surrounding the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, seeking to unravel the mystery of its origins.
A Glimpse into the Architecture and Purpose
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is an impressive feat of engineering, constructed without the use of modern tools or technology. The wheel is approximately 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter and is composed of a central cairn, a circular ring of stones, and 28 spokes that radiate outward from the center. Six of the cairns are located at the edge of the ring, and it is believed that they align with significant celestial events, such as the summer solstice sunrise, the rising and setting of certain stars, and the alignment of certain other celestial bodies. This alignment is one of the many aspects that have led researchers to believe that the wheel was used for astronomical observation, as well as for spiritual and ceremonial purposes.
The purpose of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel remains a subject of speculation and interpretation. The most widely accepted theories posit that it served multiple functions, including:
- Astronomical Observatory: The alignment of the cairns and spokes with celestial events suggests that the wheel may have been used to track the movement of the sun, moon, and stars. This knowledge would have been crucial for agricultural practices, seasonal rituals, and the timing of important events.
- Ceremonial Site: The wheel’s design and location, which is set in a high-altitude location with stunning views, suggests that it was also a sacred place for spiritual ceremonies. The central cairn may have been used as a focal point for rituals, while the spokes could have served as pathways for participants.
- Calendar: The wheel may have been used as a calendar to mark the passage of time, the changing seasons, and the occurrence of important events in the lives of the people who built it.
- Symbol of Unity and Connection: The Medicine Wheel, as a cultural symbol, often represents harmony, balance, and the interconnectedness of all things. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel may have served as a symbol of unity for various tribes, as well as a way to connect with the spiritual realm.
Unraveling the Chronological Puzzle
Determining the exact date of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel’s construction has been a challenging endeavor, as the structure is made of stone and lacks organic materials suitable for radiocarbon dating. However, several methods have been employed to estimate its age, including:
- Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological excavations near the site have yielded artifacts, such as pottery shards, projectile points, and other tools. By analyzing these artifacts and their associated geological context, archaeologists have been able to provide a relative chronology for the site. Artifacts found in association with the wheel suggest that it was used during the period between 1200 and 1700 AD.
- Dating of Rock Art: Rock art, such as petroglyphs and pictographs, found in the vicinity of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel can provide clues about the cultural context and the people who built it. Comparing the style and subject matter of the rock art with the design of the wheel can help to establish a timeline.
- Ethnohistorical Research: Studying historical records, oral traditions, and the accounts of early explorers and settlers can provide insights into the cultural practices and beliefs of the Native American tribes who may have been involved in the construction or use of the wheel.
- Astronomical Alignment Studies: The alignment of the cairns and spokes with celestial events has been used to estimate the age of the wheel. By analyzing the astronomical data and calculating the positions of the stars and planets, researchers have been able to determine when these alignments would have occurred, and therefore, when the wheel may have been built.
- Radiocarbon Dating of Organic Materials: Although the wheel itself is constructed of stone, any organic materials associated with the structure, such as charcoal from a fire pit or the remnants of a wooden post, can be radiocarbon dated. This method has been used to provide a more precise estimate of the wheel’s age.
Theories and Estimates of Construction
Based on the various methods and pieces of evidence, several theories and estimates have emerged regarding the construction of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel:
- The Early Period: Some researchers believe that the wheel may have been built as early as 1200 AD. This is based on the presence of certain types of artifacts and the alignment of the spokes with certain celestial events.
- The Peak of Usage: The period between 1400 and 1700 AD is considered to be the most likely period of active use of the wheel. This is supported by the presence of artifacts, such as pottery shards and projectile points, and the oral traditions of various tribes.
- Multiple Construction Phases: Some researchers propose that the wheel may have been built in stages over several centuries, with different groups of people contributing to its construction and maintenance.
- The Late Period: Some scholars suggest that the wheel may have been built or reconstructed at a later date, perhaps as late as the 18th or 19th century. This is based on some accounts of its use by tribes in the historical period.
Who Built the Bighorn Medicine Wheel?
The identity of the people who built the Bighorn Medicine Wheel remains a mystery. Several tribes have been associated with the site, including:
- Crow: The Crow tribe has a strong connection to the Bighorn Mountains, and oral traditions suggest that they may have used the wheel.
- Cheyenne: The Cheyenne tribe also has a connection to the area, and some traditions indicate that they may have been involved in the construction or use of the wheel.
- Shoshone: The Shoshone tribe is another group that may have been involved in the site.
- Other Tribes: Other tribes, such as the Arapaho, Blackfeet, and Lakota, may have also had connections to the Bighorn Medicine Wheel.
It is possible that the wheel was built and used by various tribes over time, and that it served as a shared cultural landmark.
Preservation and Future Research
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a significant cultural and historical site that requires careful preservation and protection. Efforts are being made to monitor the site, restrict access, and educate the public about its importance.
Future research may include:
- Advanced Archaeological Techniques: Utilizing advanced archaeological techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar and LiDAR, to map the site and identify any hidden features.
- Isotopic Analysis: Analyzing the isotopic composition of artifacts and human remains to determine their origin and to learn more about the people who lived in the area.
- Collaboration with Native American Tribes: Working closely with Native American tribes to incorporate their oral traditions and cultural knowledge into the research process.
Conclusion
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel continues to fascinate and intrigue, as the exact date of its construction remains elusive. While definitive answers are yet to be found, the research done has provided valuable insights into the wheel’s design, purpose, and cultural significance. Ongoing investigations, utilizing a combination of archaeological methods, astronomical observations, and ethnohistorical research, will undoubtedly contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of this remarkable landmark. In the meantime, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel stands as a testament to the ingenuity, spirituality, and enduring legacy of the Native American peoples, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries of the past and to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
