New discoveries of Vertical Series and Foothills Abstract rock art at Writing-on-Stone, DgOv-2, southern Alberta

Abstract

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and the surrounding region is home to one of the largest collections of rock art on the Great Plains. The painted and carved rock art images have been classified as overwhelmingly belonging to the established Plains Biographic and Plains Ceremonial traditions. Images associated with two lesser known Plains traditions, Vertical Series and Foothills Abstract, have not been previously reported anywhere within the greater Writing-on-Stone region. This paper reports on the discovery of several unambiguous instances of Vertical Series and Foothills Abstract rock art at a site located in the heart of the Writing-on-Stone rock art complex. These panels are illustrated and described, possible age and affiliation are discussed, and the placement of this discovery within the Vertical Series and Foothills Abstract traditions is addressed. It is argued that more instances of these poorly known rock art traditions exist within the Writing-on-Stone region but have previously defied recognition.