Bighorn Medicine Wheel
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a significant archaeological site located in the Bighorn National Forest in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It is a stone structure built by indigenous peoples, and is considered to be a sacred site. Its function is not entirely known, but is widely thought to have been used for astronomical and/or religious purposes. The Medicine Wheel is a National Historic Landmark.
Description
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a circular stone structure, approximately 80 feet (24 m) in diameter, consisting of a central cairn of stones surrounded by a ring of stones. From the central cairn, 28 spokes radiate outwards to form a wheel-like pattern. The spokes are aligned with significant astronomical events, such as the solstices and the rising and setting points of certain stars. The structure also has five additional cairns located along the outer ring.
The stones used to build the Medicine Wheel are primarily local limestone. The stones range in size from small pebbles to large boulders. The arrangement of the stones is carefully planned, and the structure is aligned with great precision.
History
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel was built by indigenous peoples, likely ancestors of the Crow, Cheyenne, and Shoshone tribes. The exact age of the Medicine Wheel is unknown, but it is estimated to be between 300 and 800 years old.
The first recorded mention of the Medicine Wheel dates back to 1902, when a local rancher named Henry W. Clark discovered the site. Clark brought the structure to the attention of the scientific community, and the Medicine Wheel was soon recognized as an important archaeological site.
Over the years, the Medicine Wheel has been studied by a number of researchers. These researchers have attempted to determine the function of the structure and to understand its significance to the indigenous peoples who built it.
Function and Purpose
The precise function of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel remains a subject of debate among scholars and indigenous communities. However, several theories have been proposed. The most widely accepted theories include:
- Astronomical Observatory: The alignment of the spokes with significant astronomical events suggests that the Medicine Wheel may have been used as an observatory. The spokes could have been used to track the movement of the sun, moon, and stars, and to predict the timing of important events, such as the solstices and the rising and setting points of certain stars.
- Religious and Ceremonial Site: The Medicine Wheel is believed to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes. The structure may have been used for rituals, ceremonies, and other religious practices. The central cairn may have served as a focal point for these activities.
- Calendar: The Medicine Wheel may have served as a calendar, marking the passage of time and the changing seasons. The alignment of the spokes with astronomical events could have been used to track the movement of the sun and moon, and to determine the timing of agricultural activities.
- Symbolic Representation: The Medicine Wheel may have been a symbolic representation of the universe or the cosmos. The circle could have represented the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, while the spokes could have represented the different aspects of the universe.
Indigenous Perspective
For the indigenous communities who built and used the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, the structure held deep spiritual significance. The Medicine Wheel was not simply a structure; it was a sacred place. The indigenous communities believed that the Medicine Wheel was a place of connection with the spirit world.
The indigenous communities who have ancestral ties to the Medicine Wheel include the Crow, Cheyenne, and Shoshone tribes. These tribes still consider the Medicine Wheel to be a sacred site, and they continue to visit the site to perform ceremonies and to pay their respects to their ancestors.
The indigenous communities have a unique understanding of the Medicine Wheel. They know that the Medicine Wheel is a place of power and a place of healing. They also understand the importance of preserving the Medicine Wheel for future generations.
Preservation and Protection
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a National Historic Landmark, which means that it is recognized as a site of national significance. The Medicine Wheel is protected by federal law, and it is illegal to damage or disturb the site.
The Bighorn National Forest Service manages the Medicine Wheel. The Forest Service is responsible for preserving the site and for ensuring that it is accessible to the public. The Forest Service works closely with the indigenous communities to protect and preserve the Medicine Wheel.
The Medicine Wheel is a fragile site, and it is important to protect it from damage. Visitors are asked to respect the site and to follow the rules and regulations established by the Forest Service. Visitors are also encouraged to learn more about the Medicine Wheel and its significance.
Visiting the Site
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is open to the public. The site is located in the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. The site can be accessed by hiking or by driving to a nearby trailhead.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit in advance. The site is located at a high altitude, and the weather can change quickly. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing and gear, including hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat.
Visitors should also be aware of the indigenous communities’ cultural sensitivities. The Medicine Wheel is a sacred site, and visitors should respect the site and its significance.
Significance
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is an important archaeological site. The structure provides valuable insights into the culture and beliefs of the indigenous peoples who built it. The Medicine Wheel is also a significant cultural resource, and it is an important part of the heritage of the United States.
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a reminder of the ingenuity and skill of the indigenous peoples who lived in North America. The Medicine Wheel is a testament to their knowledge of astronomy, their understanding of the natural world, and their deep spiritual connection to the land. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel continues to be a source of inspiration and wonder for all who visit it. It serves as a symbol of the rich and complex history of the indigenous peoples and their enduring legacy.
