When Was The Bighorn Medicine Wheel Built?
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, a remarkable stone structure located in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, is a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of the indigenous peoples of North America. This sacred site, with its circular design and radiating spokes, has captivated the interest of archaeologists, astronomers, and historians for decades. The exact date of its construction remains a subject of ongoing research and debate, but evidence suggests that the wheel was built over several centuries, starting as early as the 13th century.
Understanding the Significance of Medicine Wheels
Before delving into the specific timeline of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, it’s essential to understand the significance of these structures in the context of Native American cultures. Medicine wheels are often associated with spiritual practices, astronomical observations, and ceremonial gatherings. They served as places of worship, where individuals could connect with the natural world and the cosmos.
The circular shape of the wheel symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things, the cyclical nature of life, and the universe’s harmony. The spokes, radiating from the center, may represent directions, seasons, or other significant aspects of life. The placement of specific stones or cairns within the wheel often aligns with celestial events, such as the solstices and equinoxes.
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel: A Closer Look
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a circular structure composed of approximately 28 stone cairns (piles of stones) arranged in a circle about 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter. Twenty-eight spokes radiate outward from the central cairn, resembling the spokes of a wagon wheel. The site is located at an elevation of nearly 9,640 feet (2,940 meters) above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The wheel’s design is remarkably precise, and its alignment with celestial events has intrigued researchers for years. The rising and setting points of the sun at the summer solstice are marked by cairns on the wheel, and other alignments suggest that the wheel may have been used to observe the movements of stars and planets.
Dating the Construction: A Complex Puzzle
Determining the precise date of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel’s construction is a challenging task. The materials used—primarily stones—are not easily datable using standard methods like radiocarbon dating. Additionally, the wheel has likely undergone modifications and additions over time, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact period of its initial construction.
Archaeological Evidence and Dating Methods
Archaeologists have employed several methods to gather clues about the wheel’s age:
- Radiocarbon Dating: While the stones themselves cannot be directly dated using radiocarbon dating, organic materials associated with the site, such as charcoal, animal bones, or plant remains, can be analyzed. Samples collected from the central cairn and other locations within the wheel have yielded radiocarbon dates ranging from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
- Artifact Analysis: Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts near the wheel, including pottery shards, projectile points, and other tools. The style and characteristics of these artifacts can provide insights into the cultures that may have been involved in the wheel’s construction and use.
- Astronomical Alignments: The precise alignment of the wheel with celestial events suggests that it was designed and used by people with advanced astronomical knowledge. The study of these alignments can help estimate the wheel’s age by comparing its observations with known celestial events over time.
- Oral Traditions and Historical Records: Native American oral traditions and historical records can offer valuable information about the wheel’s origins and purpose. However, these sources are often subject to interpretation and may not always provide precise dates.
The Current Timeline: Centuries of Construction and Use
Based on the available evidence, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel’s construction likely began as early as the 13th century. Radiocarbon dating of organic materials found at the site supports this timeline. However, it’s important to note that the wheel was probably not built in a single event. Instead, it likely evolved over centuries, with different groups of people contributing to its construction and use.
Some researchers believe that the central cairn and the basic circular structure may have been built during the early stages of construction, while the spokes and other features were added later. The wheel’s use continued into the historic period, with evidence suggesting that different tribes, including the Crow, Cheyenne, and Arapaho, may have utilized the site for spiritual and ceremonial purposes.
Ongoing Research and Future Discoveries
The study of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is ongoing, and new research methods and discoveries continue to refine our understanding of its history. Scientists are employing advanced techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar and remote sensing, to explore the subsurface features of the site and gather additional information.
Archaeologists and Native American communities are working together to preserve and protect the wheel for future generations. This collaboration ensures that the site is treated with respect and that the cultural significance of the wheel is acknowledged.
Conclusion: A Timeless Monument
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel remains a timeless monument to the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of the indigenous peoples of North America. While the exact date of its construction may remain a subject of debate, the available evidence suggests that the wheel was built over several centuries, starting as early as the 13th century.
The wheel’s remarkable design, astronomical alignments, and cultural significance continue to captivate researchers and visitors alike. As research progresses, we can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the wheel’s history and the people who built and used it. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Native American cultures and their profound connection to the natural world and the cosmos.
