Who Built the Bighorn Medicine Wheel? Unraveling the Mystery of an Ancient Astronomical Site
Perched high in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, at an elevation of nearly 9,700 feet (2,957 meters), lies a remarkable and enigmatic archaeological site known as the Bighorn Medicine Wheel. This circular structure, composed of stones arranged in a spoke-like pattern, has captivated archaeologists, astronomers, and Native American communities for decades. Its precise origins, purpose, and the identity of its builders remain a subject of ongoing debate and research. This article delves into the known facts, explores the various theories, and sheds light on the enduring mystery surrounding the Bighorn Medicine Wheel.
Description and Construction
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a relatively simple yet awe-inspiring structure. It consists of a central cairn, or mound of rocks, surrounded by a circle of stones approximately 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter. From this central circle, 28 spokes radiate outward, resembling the spokes of a wagon wheel. Around the outer rim, there are six additional cairns, or smaller mounds, which are strategically placed.
The construction of the wheel is attributed to the laborious effort of collecting and placing the thousands of stones that make up the structure. The stones used were likely gathered from the surrounding landscape, and their arrangement suggests a meticulous planning and execution. The size and complexity of the wheel indicate a significant investment of time, resources, and manpower, implying a specific purpose that was important to the builders.
Dating and Archaeological Evidence
Determining the exact age of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel has been a challenge for archaeologists. While radiocarbon dating has been used to analyze organic materials found at the site, it has provided a wide range of dates, making it difficult to pinpoint the precise construction period. The most widely accepted estimate places the construction of the wheel between 150 and 300 years ago.
Archaeological excavations at the site have yielded limited artifacts, primarily consisting of arrowheads, beads, and other small objects. These findings provide some insight into the cultural context of the wheel’s builders, suggesting a connection to the indigenous populations of the region. However, the lack of abundant artifacts has made it challenging to definitively identify the specific cultural group responsible for the construction.
Interpretations and Theories
The purpose of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel has been a subject of considerable speculation and debate. Various theories have been proposed, ranging from astronomical observatories to ceremonial sites with spiritual significance.
Astronomical Alignment: One of the most prominent theories suggests that the wheel was used for astronomical observation and calendrical purposes. The alignment of certain cairns and spokes with the rising and setting points of the sun and specific stars has led some researchers to believe that the wheel was used to track the solstices, equinoxes, and other celestial events. The alignment with the rising of the sun during the summer solstice, for example, is particularly striking and provides evidence of its astronomical functions.
Ceremonial and Religious Significance: The Medicine Wheel may have also served as a ceremonial and religious site for Native American tribes. The circular shape, the central cairn, and the spoke-like arrangement may have symbolized the interconnectedness of the universe, the cycle of life, or other spiritual concepts. Native American oral traditions often associate the wheel with spiritual practices, vision quests, and other rituals.
Cultural Affiliation and the Mystery of the Builders
Determining the cultural group that built the Bighorn Medicine Wheel remains a significant challenge. Several tribes, including the Crow, Cheyenne, and Shoshone, have historical connections to the Bighorn Mountains and the surrounding area. Archaeological evidence and oral traditions suggest that these tribes may have used the wheel for various purposes, including astronomical observation, ceremonial rituals, and spiritual practices.
The Crow Tribe: The Crow, who have a deep cultural connection to the Bighorn Mountains, have oral traditions that mention the Medicine Wheel. The Crow language and culture contain astronomical knowledge that aligns with the alignments of the wheel, suggesting a possible link between the tribe and the site.
The Cheyenne Tribe: The Cheyenne also have historical ties to the region, and some researchers believe that they may have been involved in the construction or use of the wheel. The Cheyenne’s historical presence in the area is well-documented, and they have rich oral traditions and spiritual beliefs that may be connected to the wheel.
The Shoshone Tribe: The Shoshone, another tribe with connections to the region, have also been linked to the Medicine Wheel through oral traditions and historical records.
However, none of these tribes has been definitively identified as the sole builders of the wheel. The shared use and knowledge of the site by multiple tribes may suggest that the wheel served as a common cultural landmark for several indigenous groups.
Challenges and Future Research
Despite the research, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel’s origins and the identity of its builders remain a mystery. Several challenges hinder researchers’ efforts to unravel the secrets of the wheel:
Limited Artifacts: The scarcity of artifacts at the site makes it difficult to establish definitive cultural affiliations.
Dating Difficulties: The wide range of dates obtained through radiocarbon dating makes it challenging to pinpoint the construction period.
Cultural Sensitivity: The site is considered sacred by Native American communities, and researchers must respect their cultural beliefs and traditions.
Ongoing Research: Ongoing research includes:
- Advanced Dating Techniques: Researchers are exploring more advanced dating techniques to refine the construction dates.
- Astronomical Analysis: Continued analysis of the wheel’s alignments with celestial objects is ongoing.
- Collaboration with Native American Communities: Researchers are actively collaborating with Native American communities to incorporate their oral traditions and cultural perspectives into the interpretation of the wheel.
- Landscape Archaeology: Analyzing the surrounding landscape, including other archaeological sites and features, to better understand the context of the wheel.
Conclusion
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel stands as a testament to the ingenuity and astronomical knowledge of its builders. The site’s purpose and the identity of its creators continue to intrigue and challenge archaeologists, astronomers, and Native American communities. While the full story of the wheel remains a mystery, ongoing research and collaborative efforts are slowly unraveling the secrets of this remarkable ancient site. As researchers continue to explore the wheel’s alignments, analyze artifacts, and engage with Native American communities, they are gradually piecing together a more complete understanding of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel and the people who built it. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is not just a physical structure; it is a living symbol of the past that invites us to reflect on our connection to the cosmos and the enduring legacy of the indigenous peoples of North America.
