Reading Rock Art
Pictographs were used by the Ojibway, Cree and Algonkian peoples of Shield country to record historical events, share creation myths and give power to visions and medicine. Learn the meaning behind the imagery and you can read one of the most fascinating records of early history.
RADIATING LINES Denote objects, places, mani- tous or people with great powers. For example, a hu- man form with lines radiat- ing from his head is probably a medicine man (Mide) who received a gift of power from a manitou and made the painting in recognition.
TALLY MARKS May represent the number of days fasted by a person on a vision quest or by a Mide seeking medicine.
HANDPRINT Prayer to Kitche Manitou (the Great Spirit), thanks for medicine received, or the mark left by maymaygwayshiuk—wise and mischievous fairies who live in the rock—when they closed the door to their rock home.
BIRD The Thunderbird was a powerful guardian manitou that protected people from the bad underworld mani- tous of earth and water.
SERPENT Dangerous, malevolent spirits—often depicted with horns or spines, which signify power. Snakes lived in the water and would upset canoes and drown their occupants if not appeased by offerings.
CROSS Dates back 2,500 years in First Nation symbol- ism. May refer to the four cardinal directions and four Wind Manitous.
CIRCLES Another ancient symbol; refers to the medi- cine wheel. Medicine men used megis—small, round seashells believed to bring good luck—in medicine rituals. A circle around the head indicates a person with special knowledge.
Agawa Rock LAKE SUPERIOR PROVINCIAL PARK, ONTARIO
oiseau Rock QUEBEC
Oiseau Rock, a 150-metre cliff rising abruptly from a narrows in the mighty Ottawa River, is an example of the damage wrought by spray paint and ignorance. Nevertheless, those pictographs that are still visible—fish, canoes, a bear, a bird, arrowheads and a human-like figure (likely Nanabojou, a creator manitou who showed people how to make stone tools, weapons and canoes)—speak of the long history of the Algonkian people in this area. You can paddle or boat to the site from up- or downriver but no roads reach it.
Stay Awhile: In nearby Fort-Coulonge, adventurous families can sign up for the new via ferrata tour at Chutes Coulonge Park—literally, iron route, a guided exploration of the gorge and 48-metre falls using zip-lines, bolted ladders and cable walk-wires.
Info: The rock is on the Quebec shore of the Ottawa River 13 kilometres upstream from Fort William, QC, and 14.5 kilometres downstream from Deep River, ON. Friends of Oiseau Rock, (613) 737-7796,
friendsofoiseaurock.ca
While many rock paintings survive because they are protected from the elements by an overhang or cave, the Agawa paintings have somehow defied centuries of pounding waves, grinding ice and harsh weather on an exposed cliff face. Members of the Ojibway mined ochre on nearby Devil’s Warehouse Island and mixed it with fish oil to create a lasting red paint, forming the images 150 to 400 years ago. One panel tells the story of Myeengun (The Wolf), an Ojibway chief who led his people across the lake in canoes to repel an invasion from the Iroquois tribe, while others depict manitous—natural spirits with special powers. The most fearsome of these manitous is Mishipizheu, a horned lynx who controls the moods of the lake and thrashes his tail when angered, whipping the waters into a fury.
Stay Awhile: A dozen day hikes explore the park’s rugged landscape. The Nokomis trail begins at Old Woman Bay and loops five kilometres to a breathtaking view of the bay and its 200-metre cliffs. A ride on the Agawa Canyon Train Tour also offers sightseeing through the heart of the park.
Info: The pictographs are 140 kilometres north of Sault Ste. Marie, off Hwy 17. At Sinclair Cove, take the 1/2-kilometre Pictographs trail—and watch your step. Lake Superior Provincial Park, (705) 856-2284,
ontarioparks.com/english/ lakes.html
www.canoerootsmag.com 29
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