Altar Stones
INTRODUCTION
When trying to come up with a name for these stones, it came down to the things they all have in common. A small "bowl" located on top. Usually 1"-2" in diameter and 1/2"-1"deep. Certainly capable of holding liquid. Also, the elaborate subjects and the highest quality stone being used. We thought they may be some sort of portable Altar.
The "bowl" is what separates them from other "Multi Stones". When taking into consideration the religious practices of other Ancient Cultures, it could be speculated that the "bowl" may have been used as part of a ceremony that required a liquid. Logically, water or blood. Both are represented in other ancient religions and are essential to our existence.
But upon discovery of the Ancient Grease Lamps and Hearths, it became apparent that the small bowl was more probably a combustion chamber for a small Lamp. Lighting up the Altar Stone.
These "Altar Stones" are some of the most complex in the collection. The "bowl" is sometimes surrounded by many animals. In one example, held in the arms of a "Shaman". (225)
When considering the complex combinations found in the "Altar Stones" and our limited vocabulary, it is probable that there are other Subjects yet to be discovered.
Examples discussed are
022, 053, 092, 120, 200, 209, 225, 251, 316
Click on a photo to access a larger version with a short description.
022 Bear with Cubs Altar Stone
022 is composed of high silica igneous lava. It is violet to tan in color. It is approximately 9" x 4" x 3". 022 is an example of a "Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs Altar".
Looking at the Top view, notice, although very worn, outlined in yellow, the "Roaring Mother Bear". Her Cubs are outlined in green and violet. Notice her mouth is the "Bowl".
022 is shaped similar to an ancient oil lamp.
Included are Details 1 and 2 and the Front, Back and Bottom views.
053 Bear with Cubs Altar Stone
053 is composed of high silica igneous lava. It is light brown in color. It is approximately 3" x 4" x 2". 053 is an example of a "Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs Altar Stone".
053 is heavily worn. The images are faint, but visible.
Looking at the Top view, notice, outlined in green, the "Roaring Mother Bear" Notice the the small "bowl" that represents her mouth. The Cubs, to her right and left, are outlined in violet and yellow.
Looking at the Right view, although worn, notice the two "Roaring Cubs" outlined in blue and green.
Looking at the Left view, notice the same two Cubs as on the Front view, outlined in violet and yellow.
Included are Detail 2 and Detail 2 dwg and the Left, Back, Top and Bottom views.
092 Multi Subject Altar Stone
092 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It ranges from grey to brown in color. It is approximately 2" x 5" x 4". 092 is an example of a "Multi Subject Altar Stone".
The "Bowl" is broader, but less deep than typical "Altars". This style is recurring.
Looking at the Front view, notice, outlined in blue, a Bear head. Notice the recurring "Odd Face", 018, outlined in green. Notice, outlined in red, the recurring, "Howling Bear". Note the apparent Bison, outlined in orange. Although it does look somewhat like the "Unknown Animal".
Looking at the Bottom view, notice, outlined in violet, a Mastodon. Also, a Pterasaur, outlined in yellow, Both are in positions typical of other "Pterasaur on Bison".
Looking at Detail 1, notice a primitive "Bear on Bison". The Bison is outlined in red. The Bear is outlined in blue. Both in positions typical of other "Bear on Bison".
Included are the Top and Back views.
Included are Details of 092 and 098. A similar example.
120 Multi Subject Altar Stone
120 is composed of high silica igneous lava. It is red to brown in color. It is approximately 6" x 4" x 3". 120 is an example a
"Multi Subject Altar Stone".
Looking at the Front view, although heavily worn, notice, outlined in green, the "Shaman". Notice the "Large Cat", outlined in blue. Also the recurring "Face of Man", outlined in orange. Notice that one eye is open, the other closed. 120 has the most symmetrical "bowl" of any in the collection. (126)
Included are the Back, Top, Bottom, Right and Left views.
200 Shaman with Altar Headdress
200 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It varies in color from red to yellow. It is approximately 10" x 6" x 5". 200 is an example of a "Shaman with Altar Headdress".
Looking at the Front view, notice, outlined in green, the profile of the "Shaman". Notice, outlined in blue, a Bison. The Bison appears to be lying down such that the top of His back forms part of the small "bowl" located on top.
Detail 1 is a close up of the "Shaman" and Bison.
Detail 3 is a close up of the face of the Bison. Although worn, notice the details of the Bison's face. Particularly the nose, mouth, eyes and the shape of His head. Also, the small "horn" located on the upper left of the Bison's head. Looking at the opposite side, for the other one, there is indication that it was broken off. Amazing that either one has survived.
The Right view is an example of the recurring "Pterasaur on Mammoth". Notice, outlined in green, the Pterasaur on the back of the Mastodon, outlined in violet, in a way that is typical of other examples of this Subject. 263, 266
Looking at the Top view, 200 is an example of a "Bear on Bison Altar". Notice, outlined in blue, the nearly full body of a Bear. Also notice, outlined in red, a Bison. Note how they are incorporated into and surrounding the "Bowl" of the "Altar Stone". This detail is typical of other "Altar Stones".
Included are Detail 5 and the Back view.
209 Shaman with Altar Headdress
209 is composed of high silica igneous lava. It is red to brown in color. It is approximately 4" x 3" x 2". 209 is an example of a "Shaman with Altar Headdress".
Looking at the Front view, notice, outlined in green, a "Shaman". Notice his "Bear Head Headdress", outlined in blue. Note how the eye and teeth and ear are represented. The details are still visible. Notice how the "Bowl is surrounded by the Bear's head.
Looking at the Front view, notice that the "Shaman's" eye, mouth and ear are open.
There are other Subjects that cannot be identified due to wear.
Looking at the Back view, notice, outlined in red, a Bison. Also, outlined in blue, a Bear. Both are in positions typical of other "Bear on Bison".
225 Multi Subject Altar Stone
225 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It's color is red to yellow. It is approximately 6" x 2 1/2" x 2". 225 is an example of a "Multi Subject Altar Stone".
Looking at the Front view, notice, outlined in green, a "Shaman". His arms extended out in front, surrounding the "Bowl". He is wearing a "Bear Head Headdress", outlined in blue. Notice the recurring "Howling Wolf", his head outlined in red. Also, a Bear, outlined in blue.
Although worn, remnants of the original details remain.
Looking at Detail 5, notice outlined in red, a "Winged Bison". The exaggerated wings are a recurring detail.
Looking at the Left view, notice, outlined in red, a Male Bison. Also, outlined in green, a Female Bison. Both in positions reasonably typical of other "Fertility Stones".
Looking at the Back view, notice, outlined in red, a Bison. Also, outlined in blue, a Bear. Both are in positions reasonably typical of other
"Bear on Bison".
Included are Detail 8 and the Right view.
251 Multi Subject Altar Stone
251 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It is light brown color. It is approximately 3" x 5" x 5". 251 is an example of a
"Multi Subject Altar Stone".
Looking at the Front view, notice, although worn, outlined in red, a Bison. Also, outlined in blue, a Bear. Both in positions reasonably typical of other "Bear on Bison". Also notice that they are both part of the "Bowl".
Included are Top, Bottom, Right, Left and Back views.
316 Multi Subject Altar Stone
316 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It is streaked with browns, reds, yellows and black. It is approximately 8" x 8" x 5". 316 is an example of a "Multi Subject Altar Stone".
Looking at the Front view, notice, outlined in blue, a Bear. Also a Bison, outlined in red. Both in positions typical of other "Bear on Bison". Note that the "Altar Bowl" is located at the top of the Bear's back.
Looking at the Back view, notice, outlined in red, a Bison. Also what appears to be a "Shaman". Not like any other "Shaman in the collection. Note his unusual helmet.
Looking at Detail 1, notice the "Roaring Mother at with Cub". The "Roaring Mother Cat" is outlined in yellow. Her Cub is outlined in violet. Notice that one eye and ear are obscured. A recurring detail.
Looking at the Top view, notice what appears to be the "Unknown Animal", outlined in green. He surrounds the "Bowl" of the "Altar Stone".
Looking at the Bottom view, in any other context I would not give it a thought, but considering everything, does that not look like a "T- Rex" scull, or something similar? Possibly a Big Horn Sheep.
