Roche-a-Cri Petroglyphs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Roche-a-Cri Petroglyphs
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Petroglyphs
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| Location | Roche-a-Cri State Park, Adams County, Wisconsin, USA |
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| NRHP reference No. | 81000031 |
| Added to NRHP | May 11, 1981 |
The Roche-a-Cri Petroglyphs, also called the Friendship Glyphs, are ancient rock carvings found in Roche-a-Cri State Park. This park is located near the village of Friendship in Adams County, Wisconsin. These special carvings are a "Registered Historic Place," meaning they are important to history and protected.
The petroglyphs were made by the Oneota people, who were Native Americans living in the area long ago. Most of the carvings show pictures of birds, canoes, and cool geometric shapes. These artworks were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Sadly, some of the carvings were damaged by soldiers and settlers between 1845 and the 1880s.
Contents
What Are Petroglyphs?
Petroglyphs are a type of rock art. They are images created by carving, pecking, or scratching designs into rock surfaces. People made them thousands of years ago. These carvings often tell stories or show important parts of daily life. They can also represent spiritual beliefs.
How Were They Made?
Ancient people used harder stones to carve into softer rock. They would peck away small pieces of the rock to create their designs. Sometimes, they would grind and polish the surface first. This method allowed them to make lasting images.
Why Are They Important?
Petroglyphs are like messages from the past. They help us understand how ancient people lived. They show us what was important to them. Studying petroglyphs helps historians and archaeologists learn about old cultures. It also teaches us about their art and their world.
The Roche-a-Cri Rock
The petroglyphs are found on a tall, rocky hill called Roche-a-Cri. This name comes from French words meaning "rock of the cry." It is a very noticeable landmark in the park. The rock is a large sandstone outcropping. It stands out from the flat land around it.
A Special Place
Roche-a-Cri has been a special place for a long time. Native American groups used it for many purposes. It was a good lookout point. It also provided shelter. The rock's unique shape made it a natural canvas for their art.
Who Were the Oneota People?
The Oneota were a group of Native American people. They lived in parts of the Midwest, including Wisconsin. They were known for their farming skills. They also hunted and gathered food. The Oneota lived in villages and made pottery.
Oneota Art and Culture
The Oneota people created many types of art. Their rock art, like the petroglyphs at Roche-a-Cri, is very important. It gives us clues about their beliefs and daily lives. They often depicted animals, people, and symbols in their art.
Protecting History
The Roche-a-Cri Petroglyphs are a valuable part of history. It is important to protect them. They show us the artistic talents of the Oneota people. They also remind us of the long history of humans in Wisconsin.
Why Preservation Matters
Preserving historic sites means keeping them safe for the future. It helps us learn from the past. It also allows future generations to see and appreciate these amazing artworks. When sites are damaged, we lose a piece of our shared history.
Visiting Roche-a-Cri State Park
Roche-a-Cri State Park is a great place to visit. Besides the petroglyphs, the park has hiking trails. You can also enjoy nature and see wildlife. There are special viewing areas to see the petroglyphs. This helps protect them from damage.
