Roaring Mother Bear or Cat with Cubs
INTRODUCTION
In our world today the "roaring mother bear protecting her cubs" is the universal symbol of protection and fierceness. Common sense speculation allows that it represented similar meanings in their ancient culture.
When first examining 011, we noticed what appeared to be an unknown animal clinging t the upper left of the stone. Orienting the "animal" in what appeared to be an upright position there emerged the face of a Roaring Bear. It's eyes, one open, one closed, nose, including the nostrils, exaggerated mouth and tongue, even teeth, left ear visible, the right ear obscured by her Cub. All proved to be details that recurred in other examples.
This is not a subject that could be seriously considered. So imagine our surprise when it ended up being one of the highest recurring subjects in the collection.
What originally appeared to be an unknown animal, as shown in most other examples, is apparently her Cub, clinging to the side of her head. Some examples have as many as 4 cubs.
Of course time has had it's effect on it. Located mostly in the recessed areas, some of the fine details remain. They used techniques that I cannot comprehend. How did they shape the eyes? Or the tongue? Or even the cub. One of the many mysteries.
Based on it's relative recurrence, "Bear with Cubs" is established as one of the more significant subjects within the Ancient Culture. Just behind "Shaman" and "Bear on Bison" in recurrence rate within the collection. There are other examples of mothers and their young shown in the Photo Gallery.
Examples discussed are
009, 011, 013, 052, 152, 154, 158, 170, 171.
Click on a photo to access a larger version with a short description.
009 Multi Subject Stone
009 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It is consistently yellow in color. It is approximately 6" x 9" x 7". 009 is an example of a "Multi Figure Stone".
009 is one of the nine Keystones.
Looking at the Right view, outlined in yellow, although worn, is an amazing example of what appears to be a "Roaring North American Lion with Cub". The facial features closely resemble artist renditions and also the Lion of today. Notice Her Cub, outlined in violet, clinging to Her head. This positioning is recurring on other examples of this subject.
As typical of other "Roaring Mother Bear or Cat with Cubs", it shows an exaggerated mouth and tongue.
Notice the one eye that is open and the other closed. Also, notice the visible ear and the other obscured by the Cub. These details are typical, to some degree, in most "Roaring Mother Bear or Cat with Cubs".
Looking at the Front view, notice, outlined in yellow, the head of a "North American Lion or other Large Cat". The discovery of 009 helped to strengthen the theory that these Figure Stones are from an ancient time. The recurring North American Lion is one, on a list of apparent Ancient Animals in the collection.
Looking at the Left view, notice what appears to be a "Bear on Bison". In this example you can see a resemblance to the " Fertility Stone". Notice the Bear, outlined in blue and the Bison outlined in red. Typically the animals in the "Fertility Stones" are of the same species. Also, there is a different positioning when compared to the "Fertility Stone".
Looking at the Back view, although worn, notice what appears to be the recurring "Bear on Woolly Mammoth or Mastodon". In this case, based on recurring details, it suggests a Mastodon. The Mastodon is outlined in violet. The Bear, outlined in blue, is clinging to the top back of the Mastodon. In the recurring subject "Bear on Woolly Mammoth or Mastodon", the Bear can be found in any position across the side. From the top of the neck to, as in this example, the back end.
Included is the Bottom view.
011 Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs
When first examining 011, I noticed what appeared to be an unknown animal located on the top left of the stone. I placed it on the table and moved back for a broader view. Immediately I saw the face of a Roaring Bear. It's eyes, one open, one closed, nose, mouth and left ear is visible, the right obscured by her Cub. Although worn, the image is beautiful.
The remnants of the original detail can be clearly seen.
What I thought was an unknown animal is apparently her Cub.
This was the first time the detail of one eye and ear being closed or obscured was noted.
011 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It is shades of brown in color. It is approximately 11" x 5" x 4". 011 is an example of the subject "Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs".
Looking at the Front view, although worn, notice, outlined in red, the face of a Roaring Bear. Look closely at Her eyes, nose, mouth, tongue and ear. Notice the lower teeth. All seem to bear significance. The eyes are shown, as now typical, with one eye open, one eye closed. Same with the ears. One is open, the other obscured by Her Cub. The mouth and tongue are exaggerated. These details are found in other examples of "Roaring Bear with Cubs". Notice, outlined in blue, her Cub. It's position on top of Her head is typical of other "Roaring Bear with Cubs". Most examples have two or three Cubs.
Looking at Detail 3, notice the "Unidentified Animal" outlined in purple. Suggesting some species of Cat.
Included are the Back and Right views.
013 Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs
013 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It is shades of brown in color. It is approximately 3" x 7" x 3". 013 is an example of a "Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs".
Looking at the Front view, notice, outlined in blue, the Mother Bear. Her young are outlined in cyan and green. As in several examples, the Cubs are also roaring. Notice the recurring etching/fracturing technique used to represent the Cubs.
This example is one of two distinct recurring styles of " Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs". In this example, the "Mother Bear with Cubs" are shown "full body". The other type shows only the face and head of the "Roaring Mother Bear or Cat".
Looking at the Back view, notice, outlined in cyan, what appears to be a snake. I first thought it might be a bolt of lightning. It may be part of a larger picture. Possibly the Headdress of a "Shaman".
Included are the Left, Right and Bottom views.
052 Multi Subject Stone
052 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It is red and black in color. It is approximately 4" x 5" x 1". 052 is an example of a "Multi Subject Stone".
Looking at the Front view, although worn, notice the "Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs". The Bear is outlined in red. Her Cubs are outlined in green and blue. Notice on the left side of the stone. The "Bear with Cubs" is combined with, what appears to be a "Fertility Stone". The two Subjects are incorporated. This detail is recurring in the collection. 081
Included are the Back, Right and Left views and "081 Front" and "081 Front dwg" for comparison.
152 Multi Subject Stone
152 is composed of good quality, high silica igneous rock. It is yellow to tan in color with some grey. It is approximately 6" x 7" x 4". 152 is an example of a "Multi Subject Stone".
152 is extraordinary in that the "breeding animals" have not been identified.
Looking at the front view, notice, outlined in red, the Male "Unknown Animal". Notice, outlined in blue, a "Winged Female" who's facial features resemble a Native woman. Both in positions typical of other "Fertility Stones".
Look closely at the Male. He appears to have a series of ridges along the top of his back. At first, I thought they were wings. Recently discovered examples seem to indicate they may be "plates or scales". Looking at the rest of his body, including his "helmet", he could be considered as "armored". The very detailed facial features of the Male seems to combine those of man and animal. Look closely the shape of his helmet. These details are recurring, to some degree in the other examples of this 'Unknown Animal". At this time, he has been identified only in "Fertility Stones".
Looking at the Front view, notice, outlined in blue, the "Winged Female". The facial features resemble those of a Native woman. Not an animal. Similar to details found in 017. Could 017 be a "Female Shaman"?
Looking at the Left view, notice, outlined in blue the worn, but intense, "Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs". In this and several other examples, the tongue is exaggerated. Also, as in almost all cases, one eye and one ear are obscured by one of her Cubs.
Looking at the Top view, notice, outlined in green, the recurring "Lying Ram". Look closely at the detail that remains of the Ram's head.
Looking at the Bottom view, outlined in red, there appears to be the head of an "Unknown Animal". It's close, but not quite like any Bear in the collection.
Looking at the Back view notice, outlined in green, what appears to be a "Shaman with a Bear Headdress", outlined in red. Note that the Shaman has his mouth, eye and ear open.
154 Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs
154 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It is consistently tan in color. It is approximately 8" x 4" x 2". 154 is an example of a "Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs".
Looking at the Front view, although very worn, notice the "Roaring Mother Bear", outlined in blue and her Cubs, outlined in cyan, green and violet. Notice the exaggerated roaring mouth and tongue. Also, one eye open, one eye closed. One ear is open. The other obscured by one of the Cubs. Details typical of other "Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs". Note how one of the Cubs is typically clinging to Her head. The others, peering out from behind.
Looking at the Back view, notice the "Shaman with Unknown Animal and Winged Bison Breeding Headdress". The "Shaman" is outlined in green. In his headdress, notice, outlined in pink, the Female Winged Bison. Also, outlined in grey, the Male "Unknown Animal". In positions typical of other "Fertility Stones". This "Unknown Animal" is a recurrent Subject.
Included are the Right, Left and Top views.
158 Multi Subject Stone
158 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It is tan, brown and grey in color. It is approximately 8" x 7" x 3". 158 is an example of a "Multi Subject Stone". The Subjects included are three of the most frequently recurring in the collection. The "Bear on Bison", the "Fertility Stone" and the
"Roaring Mother Bear with Cubs".
Looking at the Front view, in this case, just the upper portion of the Bear and Bison are shown. The Bear, outlined in blue, has the Bison, outlined in red, in his grasp, as typical of other recurring "Bear on Bison". Notice the etching used to indicate the arm and paw. This technique, and the specific way the paw is represented, are recurring details.
The Back view shows what appears to be a "Fertility Stone". It seems to show Bears breeding. Notice the Male outlined in blue. The Female, outlined in red. Their positions are typical to other recurring "Fertility Stones".
Looking at Detail 2, although worn, notice the "Growling Mother Bear with Cubs". Outlined in yellow, is the "Roaring Mother Bear or Cat". The three Cubs are outlined in pastel colors.
Looking at Detail 4, outlined in blue, the profile of a Bear's head. A frequently recurring subject.
Looking at the Left view, notice, outlined in yellow what appears to be a "Woolly Mammoth or Mastodon. Also, outlined in violet, a Bear. Both in positions typical of other "Bear on Mammoth" and Bear on Bison.
Included are the Right, Top and Bottom views.
170 Shaman with Headdress
170 is composed of high silica igneous rock. It varies in color with red, yellow and black. It is approximately 11" x 10" x 4". 170 is an example of a "Shaman with Roaring North American Lion with Cubs Headdress".
Looking at the Front view, although worn, first notice the "Shaman"outlined in green. Then notice the "Roaring North American Lion", outlined in yellow. Note her Cubs, two outlined in violet and the older one in cyan. There is often an obviously older Cub with this Subject.
Looking at the Right view, you see the recurring "Half Face"detail. It shows only one side of the face and head. This recurring detail can be found on a variety of Subjects.
Looking at the Back view, notice, within the context of this collection, the recurring "Pterasaur on Bison". The "Pterasaur" is outlined in green. The "Bison" is outlined in red. Both are in positions similar to those of other examples.
Included are the Left and Top views.
171 Shaman with Cat with Cubs Headdress
171 is composed of high silica igneous rock. The color is varying shades of red, with black and white. It is approximately 9" x 7" x 3". 171 is an example of a "Shaman with Mother Cat with Cubs Headdress".
Looking at the front view, although worn, notice, outlined in green, a "Shaman" with eye, ear and mouth closed. Also, outlined in yellow, the face of the "Mother Cat". This is an example where the Mother Bear or Cat is not roaring. Also unique is how the head of the Cat is protruding out and over the "Shaman". Notice Her "Cubs" outlined in pastel colors. There is a another "Cub" that is not outlined. It is located in front and to the right of the Cub outlined in blue. His face is 90 degrees from the camera angle. This and other examples of this Subject appear to show Cubs of two different ages. Typical of this Subject are the details showing the Mother Bear or Cat with one eye open, the other closed. One ear visible, the other obscured by Her Cub. Apparently there are four Cubs of two different ages. To date, that is the maximum number of Cubs recognized with one Mother Bear or Cat. Typically, there are two or three.
Looking a the Back view, notice, outlined in yellow, the face of a Bear. One eye is open the other closed. One ear visible, the other obscured. Notice that it's mouth is open. Also, outlined in green, a "Shaman" with the recurring "Half Face" detail. His eye, ear and mouth are open. The detail of open and closed eye, ear and mouth, between opposite views, is recurring.
Several smaller Subjects within the Headdress of the "Shaman" are not outlined.
The orientation of the "Shaman's" faces is unique to this example.
Looking at the Bottom view, notice, outlined in red, the recurring "Baby Bear or Bison". In this example, it is howling. Also a recurring detail.
Looking at the Left view, notice, outlined in green a "Shaman" with the recurring "Half Face" detail. Notice the Headdress, outlined in blue, a Bear. Also, outlined in red a Bison. Both in positions typical of other "Bear on Bison".
Included are the Left and Right views.
