The Great Lynx.
Nov. 1st, 2004 02:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ferineThe carved figure on the front surface of this specimen is very distinct. What is not as clear is the "meaning behind the message". The carved etching represents a spiritual deity known (in Native languages) as Mishipizhiw or, Mishipizheu, or Gitche-anahmi-bezheu, and (in translated versions) "Great Lynx", "Great underground wildcat", "Great under-water wildcat", "underwater panther" "the fabulous night panther" (Rajnovich 1994:98-107).
Mishipizheu (the most common spelling) is an animal Manitou, or spirit. There are many animal Manitous in Native spiritual belief, including the bear, the wolf, moose, serpent etc. Each animal Manitou represents a different aspect of spirituality, for example a bear Manitou has strong medicinal powers. Mishipizheu is most commonly referred to as the "great lynx", however Manitous have the power of shape-changing into different animal forms. Mishipizheu can form into such animals as snakes and other water creatures.
All animal Manitous are very powerful. Sometimes these powers are emphasized by power lines and horns. Power lines emanate from the animal's back. Many stories surround the Manitou Mishipizheu, and the reader can be directed to further reading in Rajnovich (1994:98-107).
It is quite apparent that Mishipizheu had some sort of power over the underwater realm, and Native People would pray to Mishipizheu before heading out on long journeys. It is also suggested that the nature of Mishipizheu's power is derived from copper. Bones of Mishipizheu would turn into copper, and therefore copper nuggets were considered sacred.
The etching on this artifact does represent Mishipizheu, however the form this Manitou has taken is not obvious. Interestingly, the figure is not facing the viewer, which is common among Mishipizheu rock paintings. When identifying the lynx, one can differentiate from the ears and horns (as in the Agawa Rock Figure). However on this particular artifact, this is not clear since the figure is not facing the viewer. Two lines emanate from the figure's head that form a "V". Due to the long nature of these lines, it is most probable that they represent horns. There is one straight line at the apex of the head, since this is not in the same direction and length as the power lines, it may represent an ear.
Other images of Mishipizheu include a long "serpent-like" tail. This, however, is not known to exist on this figure since the image is not complete.
It appears that (due to the polishing on all sides and surfaces) this was a finished product. The only exception is that of the left edge. It is suggested here then that perhaps the missing area may have given more indication of its use. The top and bottom tapering towards the left broken edge probably extended to an unknown length.
Mishipizheu (the most common spelling) is an animal Manitou, or spirit. There are many animal Manitous in Native spiritual belief, including the bear, the wolf, moose, serpent etc. Each animal Manitou represents a different aspect of spirituality, for example a bear Manitou has strong medicinal powers. Mishipizheu is most commonly referred to as the "great lynx", however Manitous have the power of shape-changing into different animal forms. Mishipizheu can form into such animals as snakes and other water creatures.
All animal Manitous are very powerful. Sometimes these powers are emphasized by power lines and horns. Power lines emanate from the animal's back. Many stories surround the Manitou Mishipizheu, and the reader can be directed to further reading in Rajnovich (1994:98-107).
It is quite apparent that Mishipizheu had some sort of power over the underwater realm, and Native People would pray to Mishipizheu before heading out on long journeys. It is also suggested that the nature of Mishipizheu's power is derived from copper. Bones of Mishipizheu would turn into copper, and therefore copper nuggets were considered sacred.
The etching on this artifact does represent Mishipizheu, however the form this Manitou has taken is not obvious. Interestingly, the figure is not facing the viewer, which is common among Mishipizheu rock paintings. When identifying the lynx, one can differentiate from the ears and horns (as in the Agawa Rock Figure). However on this particular artifact, this is not clear since the figure is not facing the viewer. Two lines emanate from the figure's head that form a "V". Due to the long nature of these lines, it is most probable that they represent horns. There is one straight line at the apex of the head, since this is not in the same direction and length as the power lines, it may represent an ear.
Other images of Mishipizheu include a long "serpent-like" tail. This, however, is not known to exist on this figure since the image is not complete.
It appears that (due to the polishing on all sides and surfaces) this was a finished product. The only exception is that of the left edge. It is suggested here then that perhaps the missing area may have given more indication of its use. The top and bottom tapering towards the left broken edge probably extended to an unknown length.