Unveiling the Intricate World of Miniature Rock Art!
In the spring of 2024, I did a little digging in my backyard and discovered some native rock artifacts, a knife blade, and a utensil for mashing food. I also discovered drawings on a separate rock. I had never looked at a rock as anything more than just a rock until now. My fascination with this art form was on and it hasn't stopped yet.
I started reading about how Indigenous people of North America used drawings to communicate. The Indigenous people did not have a written language, so they used their drawings on large and small rocks to communicate many things to passersby. They would have communicated things like danger ahead or safe passage. They also used drawings to teach children proper behavior and consequences.
Native Americans and the ancient people's artists would make small stones that were portable. Officially called Portable Rock Art (PRA). The rocks would be for fun and games, or to harness the power of an animal spirit or someone they admired. They made portraits of people and animals they admired with the belief of attracting their strengths.
For example, the Wooley Mammoth, which has been extinct now for over 12,000 years, was viewed as the creator of the world. They knew of nothing stronger than the mammoth. It was believed the mammoth pulled the land out from the water to create the world. As an animal spirit, the carvings and/or drawings would evoke the attribute of strength. Portable rocks were also made for use in magic. I have some that look evil and others that resemble family and love. The rocks at my store are mostly small as they would fit in your pocket.
The rocks I have for sale are from Central NC, USA. They are made from different rock types. They were found within 1000' of streams, mostly in the forest, and come from different periods. Even as far back as the time of the Wooley Mammoth (12,000 BC and before). Others clearly show Native American and even European characters or events. More on European drawing in another post.
The rock I have shown as the featured image here looks to me at least like it was sculpted to point to the right and tells travelers to beware because the character drawings shown are in a rush to the left. These drawings are always under-debate because not everyone can make them out. Secondly, many of them are pictures within pictures. So, what I see is different from what you'll see.
When you look at the rock images up for sale remember you will receive the exact rock you purchase. These are one of a kind and can't be reproduced.