Mountain Mysteries: The Judaculla Petroglyphs
By: Mason Beam – Wise News Network
What is the Judaculla Stone?
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountain Chain on the American East Coast outside the small city of Cullowhee, NC, is one of North America’s most significant historical sites. A stone that features approximately 1548 different petroglyphs and can be visited during parking hours (sunrise to sunset) any day of the year! While archeologists posit that the site seems to have been a quarry for Native Americans to make bowls and other tools starting around 3000 years ago, this is not a complete consensus.
The Judaculla Stone and its petroglyphs as of 2024. August 18th by Mason Beam (WNN)
The Parker family has been caring for the stone for close to 100 years, which has helped prevent its degradation and vandalism. In 1959, the nearest acre around the boulder was donated to Jackson County, and in 2011, the family placed all 107 acres of farmland into a permanent conservation easement to help continue to protect it.
Cherokee Cultural Heritage:
The stone is believed to have been primarily used by the Cherokee Native Americans for most of its history. While the site has been speculated to have been a quarry since 3000 years ago, it is believed that this activity had ceased when the petroglyphs were carved, with most estimated to originate from 300 to 1500 years ago. Towards the lower left portion of the stone, two structures are believed to be unfinished bowls.
Legend and Myth:
The stone has some mythical beliefs surrounding its namesake; Judaculla was believed to be a Slant-eyed Giant who lived in the Balsam Mountains. His legend also relates to another structure known as Judaculla’s Judgment Seat/ the Devil’s Courthouse in the modern-day Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the petroglyphs is believed to be Judaculla’s handprint, inscribed on the stone as he chased a band of disrespectful hunters out of his territory. This is only one of the legends surrounding Judaculla as the giant was an important figure in Cherokee spirituality and religion.
The Petroglyphs:
While this site is certainly impressive, what does it mean? Sadly, there is no consensus on what these Petroglyphs stand for. While, like in most cases, some of the glyphs are easily identifiable (such as people or animals), others have no quickly determined meaning. Some Cherokee claim that according to their oral tradition, the glyphs actually date back further than their tribe’s introduction to this area. Other stones in the area have these same types of glyphs, but currently, we need a method to translate them, and the Judaculla stone hosts the most glyphs by far. With more research and exploration, we may one day understand their purpose.
Want to go see the rock?
552 Judaculla Rock Rd, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Open 7 days a week during daylight hours.
©WNN
Sources:
Hunter Library Special Collections, Western Carolina University,
Research Laboratories of Archeology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
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