A Dated Rock Art Panel Of Shield Bearing Warriors In South Central Montana

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Abstract
The use of traditional archaeological excavation to recover the tools used to complete a pictograph or petroglyph is one way rock art can be dated. Two sandstone abraders, used to smooth the rock face prior to painting a shield bearing warrior motif, were recovered in a datable context beneath a rock art panel in south central Montana. One of these abraders still had paint pigment adhering to it that matched one of the colors in the pictograph. The numerical age of the rock art panel was established by radiocarbon at A.D. 1104. Some researchers believe the shield bearing warrior motif was aproduct of Shoshonean speaking groups, but A.D. 1100 is two to four centuries older than their arrival to the area. Another candidate for the makers of the motif is the Avonlea, who are thought to represent Athapaskan movements through the site area at this time.

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