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This photograph was taken from a hill top overlooking the Alibates savannah. The flood plain is still green from late August and early September rains that were unusual for that time of the season.
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The Alibates National Monument
centers mostly around the the flint quarries. This photograph was taken
from the ridge line just to the south of the quarries where the
dwellings and rock carvings can be found. This ceremonial gallery of
carvings is well preserved in the dolomite medium in which they are
carved. These areas are closed to the public and
can only be accessed with special permission from the National Park
Service.
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This
carving of a footprint in the Alibates gallery is typical of those
found at other sites like Point 25 across the Canadian River from the
flint quarries. It was carved into a dolomite stone of the type that
dominates the rim of the river canyon. The small dimples in the rock are believed to have been used to make and mix ceremonial face paint. |
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The bison depicted in this dolomite carving was a central figure in the life of the Plains Village horizon. The bison, or buffalo, was a staple for cultures before and after the Antelope Creek. It provided food, shelter and clothing in a region largely devoid of other, larger game. The image was digitally enhanced. |
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The
dwellings vary in size but were typically about 10' x 15' and stood
about 4' above the ground. The inside was excavated about 5' below
outside grade. The original dwelling site was excavated in the 1930s and
little remains of the original structure.
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Retired
National Park Ranger Wes Phillips (left) helps to pass on knowledge
about the Texas Panhandle. He is curator of the Hutchinson County Museum
and President of the Panhandle Archaeological Association. Here he
explains to Toni Derrick how the Plains Village Indians made face paint
out of cadmium-colored stones. |