Introduction
ABOUT THE COMMENTARIES
The objective of the Commentaries is to present these apparent Ancient Native American Figure Stones, or Portable Rock Art, in a manner that will credibly describe their unique characteristics. And to offer it as an additional resource that may help in the effort to recognize and understand these and similar artifacts. Also to note some of the observations made after 12 years of research.
First you must realized, the key to all of this is having the "collection". The apparent recurring and related examples are what substantiate the collection and give each artifact it's strength and credibility.
Not knowing the first thing about this, there was no choice but to let the stones reveal, through detail and recurrence, what their Subjects were.
I never tried to make something out of nothing. All attempts were to objectively describe only what was observed, as the unlikely context evolved over the years.
Most Primary Subjects used as examples are recurring in the collection and show good detail. Photos of similar examples can be found in the Photo Gallery.
In addition to the photographs and drawings, a description is suggested of the Primary Subject or Subjects. Also listed is their basic mineral composition, color and approximate size. As a point of beginning, speculation may be offered on what each Subject could symbolize to this Ancient Culture.
There has been no professional attempt to authenticate or estimate the age of this collection. However, some of the Subjects appear to represent animals that were living 12,000 years ago and earlier.
It must be considered that some of the Subjects could have originated from ancient legend or fossils.
When you consider the complexity of recurring Subjects like the "Altar Stone" and "Shaman with Headdress", the likelihood lessens that these specific artistic creations were formed exclusively by the forces of nature.
Certainly, the natural shape and composition of the stone was considered. Using only primitive tools and techniques, it would seem practical that an artist of the time might value a stone that required a minimum amount of alteration. A good philosophy in general.
Of course to really appreciate these Figure Stones, it would be better if you could hold them in your hand. See them for yourself. No matter what, photography cannot consistently reproduce the fine details or contours. HR Scans of the more significant examples are being considered.
Each Commentary includes photographs, drawings and descriptions of nine examples of the Subject. A few of the examples are "Multi Subject Figure Stones" and are also used as examples in other Commentaries.
The numbers represent the current catalog number. The numbers in parentheses are those of similar Figure Stones offered for reference and comparison.
From the overwhelming evidence it appears that this collection of Ancient Figure Stones is authentic. I have collected and cataloged each piece.
Other than the obvious, these Commentaries claim no fact until if and when a conscientious of credible, qualified authorities is be reached.
Please consider that these Commentaries were originally written several years ago. There have been many new discoveries, not shown, that will be included, soon, in the revised website.
I hope for those who try, that they can see what I do in these ancient works of art. Because it is a fantastic world of subjects and combination of things that continues to teach and amaze me.
The Commentaries are offered in the following order:
Shaman with Headdress
Fertility Stones
Bear or Cat on Bison or other
Roaring Mother Bear or Large Cat with Cubs
Winged Bison
Altar Stones
Animals
Ancient Animals
Other Examples
