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| Gardner Rock Yancey County |
| The Gardner Rock petroglyph site is a large boulder (17 x 7 ft) covered with glyphs. Often we find glyphs that are abstract, stylized and hard to decipher. However, many glyphs on Gardner Rock are recognizable as carvings of animal prints. Both bear prints and deer/elk prints were carved into this rock as well as several long "power lines" and also cupules. Unfortunately, like many other NC petroglyphs, the Gardner Rock has been vandalized. A significant portion has been removed from the top of the rock. |
| What is unique about Gardner Rock is the repetition of animal prints. We can only speculate on the meaning of these. Perhaps they were related to hunting rituals, or to sacred beings. Regardless, this petroglyph was of great significance to its makers. The glyphs do not provide many clues about who made them or when they were carved - they may be hundreds or thousands of years old. Future archaeological excavations may help decipher their meaning. |
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| Descriptions of Deer and Bear Tracks |