Apishapa rock art and Great Basin shamanism: power, souls, and pilgrims. (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huffman, Thomas N.; Earley, Frank Lee
• Is Part Of: Time & mind. Volume 10:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 144
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Apishapa petroglyphs -- Great Basin Desert Culture -- sacred pilgrimages -- shamanism -- southeast Colorado; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Cognition and culture -- Periodicals; 930.101
• DOI: 10.1080/1751696X.2017.1310566
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-696X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Apishapa archaeological phase in southeast Colorado, USA, was more likely an eastern extension of the Great Basin Desert Culture than a western extension of the Plains Village pattern. For this reason, Archaic Period rock art in the Great Basin and the Apishapa area are remarkably similar. Abstract curvilinear and rectilinear styles in both areas share several motifs and combinations. Because of Apishapa origins, we use Great Basin ethnography to discuss abstract rock art in the lower Apishapa canyon. The Great Basin version of shamanism, especially the interrelated concepts of dynamic power, soul travel, and sacred pilgrimages help to explain many images. Overall, sacred pilgrimages provided the social context for much of the art.