Autumn at Writing-on-Stone - Photo of the Day - May 25th, 2011

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"Autumn at Writing-on-Stone"

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Áísínai’pi) in Alberta, Canada is a landscape sacred to the Blackfoot people. The site is 32 km (20 mi) east of the town of Milk River. An archaeological preserve within the Park protects the largest concentration of rock art on the North American plains. The artists are thought to be the Blackfoot people who settled this area for at least 3,500 years. There is speculation some of the rock art may be up to 6,000 years old.

Covering the sheer sandstone cliffs of the area along the Milk River are petroglyph carvings, paintings and pictographs which include vivid depictions of hunting and spiritual vision quests. But by far the most common are scenes of warriors and battles. Some speculate these were meant as warnings to neighbouring enemies to stay away. Guided interpretive walks and tours are available from mid-May until Labour Day. Interpretive programs are scheduled regularly.

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