 The
Dingess petroglyph, found at a future stripmine near
Dingess, WV, in 1987, had five panels of
markings and abstract symbols. The structure, a rock
shelter, could have been occupied or otherwise used
by humans. The
markings resemble Irish or Celtic ogam that was used
by priests and scholars. There are many varities and
examples
of this
alphabet authenticated throughout Europe and North america.
Marrowbone Coal Co. provided a grant for study and excavation.
The
Excavation marked the first archaeological investigation
of an "ogam" petroglyph site in West Virginia.
Rock shelters are among the most difficult types to excavate.
Rarely
are cultural features preserved, due to rodent disturbance,
rock falls, water drippings and flow. Cultural are compressed
sometimes, resulting in a mixture of consumed time periods
from recent to prehistoric and vice versa.
Relocated Dingess Petroglyphs
Stones
Robert L. Pyle and Daire
O' Creodain, Cultural Attache at the Irish Embassy
in Washington,
DC, examine
the Dingess petroglyph stones (which were removed
from the area to be strip-mined and are shown here
in their new location at Laurel Lake) for similarities
to Irish petroglyphs |
The
intent of the excavation, precedding as it did the surface
mining of the area, was to carefully collect and document
artifacts discovered and researched Dingess Petroglyph
rock shelter was utilized by early man but not permanently
occupied. This is typical of rock shelters, which afforded
quick and easy temporary shelter. A roof and at least
one wall were already in place. But most sandstones
transport
water in a natural aquifers, and thus rock shelters
would not be dry enough to occupy comfortably for
extended
periods of time. |
Nearby,
approximately 250 feet away, at a slightly higher elevation,
another rock shelter
was noted (referred by local people as the "Bedsprings"
site); this site was tested and determined to have served
asa permanent campo, another reason why the Dingess site
was not permanently occupied. In addition, several more
campsites were found in the immediate area. Shovel tests
revealed
a variety of lithic material and organic features indicating
occupation, to a depth of 18 inches.
Some
of the petroglyphs boulders could be removed by heavy
equipment. Since the stripping operation would destroy
the site's
integrity, two of the stones were transported to Laurel
Lake Public hunting and Fishing area. Immediately students
from the area schools began visiting the site, along
with other people. There is a great deal of interest
in petroglyphs
and they are a potential boon to West Virginia's tourism
industry.
"Buzz" Griffith, Carnegie Mellon Board of Trustees.
|
