Strange Rock Carving

I spent 10 years of my youth in the burbs of WV. You referenced hunting in your post. "Huntin" is a prevalent past time as is " Keepin ur opinion to urself ". The seldom known wonder of these hills is a freedom ("Dem hills provide"). WV is a lost outpost of free thought, ("Tree huggin hippies") deep faith ("Fire and brimstone") and rebellion ("This is my land, my life") Judging by the patina on the actual carving compared to the surrounding rock, I imagine that perhaps some 50 years ago a young man went out huntin, found himself bored and at odds with his "kin". Instead of " keepin an eye out ", He spent his time sitting quietly, carving an inscription that encompassed his loathing of senseless violence, love of nature, and respect for what it is to live. ( A circled tree- serenity- balance- strength) What’s lovely about this observation is no matter the time, place, person or perspective the inscription delivers the same definition. Truth is always just beyond what we see day to day. Truth is what catches the eye and motivates the heart to share.

reply to post by nenothtu
(I give to you Appalachia as I too share that branch) I spent 10 years of my youth in the burbs of WV. You referenced hunting in your post. "Huntin" is a prevalent past time as is " Keepin ur opinion to urself ". The seldom known wonder of these hills is a freedom ("Dem hills provide"). WV is a lost outpost of free thought, ("Tree huggin hippies") deep faith ("Fire and brimstone") and rebellion ("This is my land, my life") Judging by the patina on the actual carving compared to the surrounding rock, I imagine that perhaps some 50 years ago a young man went out huntin, found himself bored and at odds with his "kin". Instead of " keepin an eye out ", he spent his time sitting quietly, carving an inscription that encompassed his loathing of senseless violence, love of nature, and respect for what it is to live. ( A circled tree- serenity- balance- strength) What’s lovely about this observation is no matter the time, place, person or perspective the inscription delivers the same definition. Truth is always just beyond what we see day to day. Truth is what catches the eye and motivates the heart to share. Perhaps other young man years later came upon "good cover" and found himself thinking the same thoughts

Here is a full resolution crop of the right side of the image I posted above, in the area of the rectangular cutout in the figure:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/0a08cf7beedc.jpg[/atsimg]

You'll notice upon close inspection, there isn't any noticeable difference in the the surface patination between the surfaces inside the carved areas, and the surfaces of the uncarved rock.

What is perceived as a 'lighter' color, on close inspection, is actually a thin deposit of mud or silt, combined with the glare from the water, which was due to the rainfall at the time, not from the stream. The surface of the rock is far enough above the stream to be dry at the current water level, if it weren't for the rain.

The actual color and shade of the carved rock, where it projects through the silt, is the same as the surrounding uncarved rock.

It's supposed to be dryer tomorrow, so I'll try to get up there and take better pictures, maybe some macros as well to get a better view of the surfaces, and include the requested measuring devices for scale.

With that, I'm off to bed, and will check in again tomorrow.

It's beautiful.

Can I keep a copy of it?

It's just beautiful - I love the mystery surrounding it to.

I hope no one finds it and digs it up and sticks it in a museum, that would be such a shame.

Keep the authorities, museums, professors, etc, AWAY from this thing - please!

peace

[edit on 30-3-2010 by silo13]

Good work OP,

ATS exclusive, excellent.

Have you thought of contacting any local, or the closest Indians? any elders or medicine men about.

That would be my first investigation, find one, and take him to the site.

Like the Hopi Prophecy rock, and Star inscriptions the Indians carved much on rock.

I would also go to the local Library and research any old trappers tales of the local area.

It seems to be old as it is a depiction found across the world in various forms, but basically the same.

This may be a couple of thousands of years old.

Also maybe get in contact with a Local Museum/University and get the Archeological/History guys to investigate with you.

Watching closely your further research, very interesting thanks.

Edit to add I think the two inscriptions on the 1/2 way marks on the circles are a kind of Sigil, like cave man painting of hunters and prey, by drawing and invoking, living out the hunt first (like LOA) then in the real world the prey is found.

On your Rock they could be very crude type of Buffalo? seems a distinct head, same type of bigger front body and maybe tail.


Elf.

[edit on 30-3-2010 by MischeviousElf]

Admire, look, but do not disturb.

Nothing to do with Indians.

Please do not stand on the image.

Yeah, why don't you contact a local museum or university? Nice image. Thanks for sharing.

reply to post by prof-rabbit


I agree, admire, do not meddle until the source is known and understood.

However you seem very sure that "Indians" have nothing to do with it.

Implying you do know what is the maker or cause.

Care to expand on this for us?

Kind Regards,

Elf

Originally posted by MischeviousElf

Also maybe get in contact with a Local Museum/University and get the Archeological/History guys to investigate with you.

Please do not.

Originally posted by MischeviousElf
Edit to add I think the two inscriptions on the 1/2 way marks on the circles are a kind of Sigil,

by drawing and invoking,

Close

Originally posted by MischeviousElf
Care to expand on this for us?

Kind Regards,

Elf

I would prefer not to. May I suggest there are peaceful groups who enjoy meeting there and leave it at that?

Unable to see the image.
Is it still available?

Originally posted by MischeviousElf
Also maybe get in contact with a Local Museum/University and get the Archeological/History guys to investigate with you.

BINGO! Elf just beat me to it. Why not send a copy of the photo, with something that indicates scale, to the Anthro department of your local university...do a websearch for a likely Prof, according to his studies.
This is what they do for a living, and the best candidate for a straight answer. Beautiful carving, though...and I look forward to Byrd's analysis. She's always good at throwing a whole whack of common sense at such issues.

Nice catch...S&F

Originally posted by prof-rabbit
May I suggest there are peaceful groups who enjoy meeting there and leave it at that?

You might, but your avatar suggests that you might not exactly spend a lot of time in the neighbourhood, and your cryptic message suggests the possibility of unsubstantiated knee-jerk New Age drama...not that there is any on ATS. No offence, eh?...just a skeptic.

Besides, sending a photo to a university would not defile the site.

[edit on 30-3-2010 by JohnnyCanuck]

Originally posted by MischeviousElf
Care to expand on this for us?
Kind Regards,
Elf

Under normal circumstances this would be carefully covered after use, I understand there was some flooding? If the area becomes "noteworthy" some dedicated people will need to find a new site, that will take months, perhaps longer. Several generations have used the spot, please consider not allowing this to become common knowledge.

Originally posted by JohnnyCanuck
You might, but your avatar suggests that you might not exactly spend a lot of time in the neighbourhood, and your cryptic message suggests the possibility of unsubstantiated knee-jerk New Age drama...not that there is any on ATS.

No offence, eh?...just a skeptic.

Besides, sending a photo to a university would not defile the site.

[edit on 30-3-2010 by JohnnyCanuck]

Correct, I have never been there. New Age? no. photo's? know what a campfire or Chinese whisper is? curiosity? have you seen what happens to sites that become common knowledge?

Originally posted by prof-rabbit

Originally posted by JohnnyCanuck
You might, but your avatar suggests that you might not exactly spend a lot of time in the neighbourhood, and your cryptic message suggests the possibility of unsubstantiated knee-jerk New Age drama...not that there is any on ATS.

No offence, eh?...just a skeptic.

Besides, sending a photo to a university would not defile the site.

[edit on 30-3-2010 by JohnnyCanuck]

Correct, I have never been there. New Age? no. photo's? know what a campfire or Chinese whisper is? curiosity? have you seen what happens to sites that become common knowledge?

Certainly...which is why Archaeologists keep mum about sites. I'm not suggesting that an inquiry be sent to a grade school Jr. Indiana Jones Club...I'm saying do a web search on the closest University or State archaeologist and ask if it is an item of interest.

As to sites that become common knowledge? I would refer you to the Peterborough Petroglyphs. www.ontarioplaques.com...

Originally posted by JohnnyCanuck

As to sites that become common knowledge? I would refer you to the Peterborough Petroglyphs. www.ontarioplaques.com...

And I would refer you to the Georgia Guidestones, vandalism and the call for their destruction.

www.prisonplanet.com...

That is very interesting, odd that is was often overlooked.

Lay your hand on it to see what happens.

Originally posted by prof-rabbit

Originally posted by JohnnyCanuck

As to sites that become common knowledge? I would refer you to the Peterborough Petroglyphs. www.ontarioplaques.com...

And I would refer you to the Georgia Guidestones, vandalism and the call for their destruction.

www.prisonplanet.com...

Which brings us back to the concept of sending a pic to a State or University archaeologist and asking questions. As an avocational, I can tell you that discretion is taken very seriously.

Further...the Guidestones are a bad example as they are politically charged as well. But I am not going to dismiss the knucklehead factor...I'll give you that.

Cool thread thus far. I love a good mystery.

Please keep us posted OP

talk to the Hopi!!!!!!!
they been looking for a missing piece of their tablet.