Long before a European boot set foot on our conquered shores, the roots of the native tribes ran deep throughout this land. For roughly 12,000 years, the Native Americans were the only occupants of this land. Their nomadic lifestyle did not generally lend itself to the construction of cities, they left behind few ruins. But there are a few…
After purchasing a tract of land in Cabell County, a landowner discovered that his new property contained 53 rock cairns, built by an ancient people, most likely Native Americans.
YouTube/douglaseye A lot of mystery remains as to who built these cairns and what their exact purpose actually was; it is a puzzle that archaeologist Roger Wise is trying to solve.
Cairns are heaps of stones set up as a landmarks, tombstones or monuments - but the true purpose of these particular cairns is a mystery.
YouTube/douglaseye Although these cairns could have served many purposes, there is some speculation that with so many of them gathered in one area, they might have served some spiritual or religious purpose.
One speculation is that this area was used as a “spiritual initiation” for native teen and pre-teen boys.
YouTube/douglaseye Here, the boy might have consumed a hallucinogen such as peyote, and entered the spirit world to choose his spirit animal. Upon his return, the boy would be considered a member of the tribe and could fight with the men.
Some of the cairns have openings, in which any number of objects might have been placed. They might also have served as tombs, or monuments to a fallen tribesman or tribeswoman.
YouTube/douglaseye
The origins of this site remain a mystery for archaeologists, leaving only speculation as to their true purpose, and why they were built in such an isolated area.
YouTube/douglaseye However, one fact cannot be disputed: These are very old ruins built by an ancient people who left no clue of their identity behind. Be sure to watch the video below to learn more about this archaic site.
Do you know where more Native American ruins can be found? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.
YouTube/douglaseye
A lot of mystery remains as to who built these cairns and what their exact purpose actually was; it is a puzzle that archaeologist Roger Wise is trying to solve.
Although these cairns could have served many purposes, there is some speculation that with so many of them gathered in one area, they might have served some spiritual or religious purpose.
Here, the boy might have consumed a hallucinogen such as peyote, and entered the spirit world to choose his spirit animal. Upon his return, the boy would be considered a member of the tribe and could fight with the men.
However, one fact cannot be disputed: These are very old ruins built by an ancient people who left no clue of their identity behind. Be sure to watch the video below to learn more about this archaic site.
To learn more about West Virginia, check out these 8 beautiful ruins that will transport you to the past.
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