Abstract

Glyphed boulders in what is now Alberta were in ancient times placed on the highest hills in their vicinity. We have studied nine such sites, from Viking (111.613°W, 52.990°N) to Foremost (111,469°W, 49,403°N). Two are described here. The sites are a major part of the artifacts. The Viking 'Ribstones' are on the summit (744 in above sea level) of a gently rising hill, 16 km SE of Viking. The summit was artificially extended by 4 in to the NNE; two glyphed boulders are on the E side of the extension. The boulders form an open ended V which points to a lake 5 kin SSE, and to Wolf Ears Hill 26 km SSE, which is the probable site from which the Iron Creek Meteorite was taken in 1886. The style of the engravings on both boulders is cup and groove (probably the most ancient style in North America, Grant 1967). The dominant feature in high angle light is the grooves. In low angle light the cups gain prominence. Combinations of light and shadow make features that change with time of day and season. The grooves are satiny smooth. Some cups are moderately smooth and others are roughly pecked.The Iron Creek Meteorite is now in the Provincial Museum, Edmonton, in the display of minerals. The location of its venerable site has been the subject of speculation for more than 30 years. Considerable evidence now indicates that the site was the summit of Wolf Ears Hill (705 in above sea level, 10 km NE by E of Lougheed). The hill has a long N-S axis, and there is a large 'North marker rock' 3 km, 359° from the hole in the summit.