We recently had a creation put in a major park that depicts aboriginal culture. The creation was long in the planning and aboriginals were in the loop from the beginning.
So the piece is to depict native elders telling stories to other members of the group. So how did they depict people ? With huge boulders. Why boulders? Arrangements of stones have been found a various places on the prairie. For some of these stone arrangements aboriginals still remember the meaning. Other arrangements have been there for so long that nobody knows the meaning. So in this piece the elders are sitting in the center of the circle in a haphazard order. The listeners are sitting around the elders in a circle.
 |
| I hope you can make out the elders in the center. |
 |
| The elders sit in no order |
It's hoped that younger aboriginals will see the creation as part of their culture and feel good about how they were taught. For the rest of us we can appreciate how aboriginal culture, history, behaviors and technology were taught to their people.
It's a strong statement about where we fit in.
 |
| This was hard to photograph as it should be shown from above. |
Stone circles of various kinds seem to have been used all over the world in ancient times.
ReplyDeleteI would guess symbolic for the earth?
DeleteI like the idea of stone circles. Yes, why didn't you fly over it with your helicopter--lol.
ReplyDeleteFor a grounded fellow, you took some nice pictures.
Yes, it hurts from having a private pilot's license at one time. However, I won't cry about ti.
DeleteRed this is interesting, I hope the art of storytelling is being taught to the youth so they can see the symbolism in the rock placements.
ReplyDeleteI would hope that the young people learn to tell so,me of the stories.
DeleteI just read Indian Horse. Ya gotta read it.
I was going to write what Linda wrote. Our touching with stones is interesting.
ReplyDeleteStones were used for lots of different ideas. Look at Stonehenge.
DeleteIt is an interesting circle of stones and indeed used by many people all over the centuries.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. it was used in many different cultures.
DeleteThis is fascinating - it looks so simple, yet there is so much there.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a nice piece for it's simplicity.
DeleteInteresting. I don't understand the arrangement, but it has meaning for those that do and that is what matters.
ReplyDeleteThe center elders are in a haphazard setting as they would have been out in the camps.
Deletei like the naturalness of it, and the feeling like this method has been going on for eternity.
ReplyDeleteStory telling is key to many cultures.
DeleteI like it! Last weekend we were at the Ellis Bird Farm and saw the Winnie Ellis memorial, which was simply a bolder at the edge of the woods.
ReplyDeleteBob Johnson's stone marking the trail is also just a big boulder with a plaque.
DeleteVery interesting. This reminds me of Stonehenge.
ReplyDeleteGood point. Many cultures used stone to illustrate ideas.
Deletevery unusual, I always try to feel the strength in art portrayed by the artist
ReplyDeleteYou know , I think this was done by committee?
DeleteYou need to rent a helicopter and get an aerial shot for me! ;))
ReplyDeleteI'll jump to it! Maybe I should update my private pilot license ad do it myself.
DeleteA view from above would be really neat I think! Nice post!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting..I am glad the native peoples were involved in the project..I am sure it must me much more to them than the casual observer like me that would say what??:)
ReplyDeleteI really like your town Red. From all your blog ifo it has always sounded like a conscientious, interesting, eco friendly place to live ... with great nature trails too.
ReplyDeleteYou do a fine job, Red.
ReplyDeleteThe near-permanent nature of stones make them a good symbol for such connections.
ReplyDelete