Sandstone is the type of stone most often used by the Native American builders in the areas I have been exploring in Missouri (Ozark Highlands Region). The sandstone in these areas has a tendency to be geometric in shape. This characteristic enabled the builders to use specific shapes repeatedly in their stonework. I refer to these shapes as elements. I developed a list of nine elements (to date) because it quickly became apparent that a practical way was needed to communicate about the stonework. While exploring a site where only granite was available, I also found these same nine elements. That find, approximately a hundred miles from the sandstone location, established that the nine elements are not unique to sandstone. Of course, there are many different types of stone constructions, arrangements, and structures beyond the nine elements, but the elements are the building blocks of Missouri petroform features.

Triangular or pyramid blocks, rectangular blocks, vertical standing stones (including slabs set on edge), elevated stone pointers, flat stone pointers, catchers, modifiers, four-in-a-row, and ridge stones are the single elements which all or in part comprise most petroform features. I consider the stonework art so there are no hard and fast rules. This list provides a helpful guide for a very complex and complicated subject.

After much field research, certain element associations could be discerned. These associations often prove valuable in determining if a stone is set in place by man or natural forces. For example, small vertical stone plates are paired with much larger vertical stone slabs or, in some instances, multi-stone constructions. I began calling these smaller stones modifiers because of their relationships. I can almost always be certain that a sandstone slab has been set and not pushed on edge through natural forces if it has a companion modifier. Sometimes double vertical (parallel) modifiers are set as companions as well. Two triangular modifiers are set near a vertical sandstone slab in the photo and the detail photo shown below. The pictured measuring rods are in ten centimeter segments.

Large stone slabs can be found set on edge singularly or in parallel fashion similar to the small modifiers. Usually, one stone of the pair is taller and the shorter stone is offset. The pair shown below (front and side view) are located in a small glade not far from two stone burial cairns.

Many of the vertically set slabs are bison effigy stones. I have divided the shapes into two categories--abstract and stylized. The abstract shape is highly geometric and symbolizes the bison form rather than representing the form realistically. The stylized shape is a rounded form that more closely resembles a realistic bison profile. Examples of both shapes are shown below. Most bison effigy stones are compass stones, i.e., N-S or E-W alignment.

Sometimes the slabs are set with an intentional lean or (obtuse) angle. I refer to this class of stones as catchers. The direction of these slanting stones is always back into the hillside contrary to erosion forces. The Manitou stone (see photo) is clearly set with an intentional hard lean. This particular stone arrangement is one of a very few located on top of a ridge or hill, and I believe it had a special function or purpose. Normally the builders preferred hillside arrangements. The photo exhibiting the two ripple rock catchers is more characteristic of Missouri building techniques. (A third catcher out of photographic range completes this set.)

There are a few vertical standing stones that would not be considered slabs and fall into a miscellaneous category of various sizes and shapes. Two examples are shown below--a saddle stone 15 inches wide and a mystery stone (perhaps head and shoulder of an animal?).

Note the similar placement between the stone pairs below.

Before I became familiar with New England stonework terminology, I referred to a perched stone as an elevated stone pointer (see photo below). Most are triangular in shape with the severest point lifted up and outward. Shim stones are frequently used to obtain the desired acute angle. I have found examples of three pointer stones grouped together in a triangular pattern. Occasionally large boulder stones will be perched on several shim stones. Note the shim stack in bottom photo.

The Native American builders lined up four or more stones to form an alignment. These lines or four-in-a-row stones are usually common alignments, e.g., N-S, E-W, Summer or Winter Solstice sunrise or sunset, however, now and then something unfamiliar will come up such as 10 degrees or 80 degrees. I have found it intriguing that a triangular block was incorporated into three separate four-in-a-row alignments. In each example the triangular block was positioned in a different line order. The builders also constructed rock stacks as an element in four-in-a-row alignments. If one encircled the four stones composing these lines that contain multi-elements the product would resemble a cartouch. Note the triangular block and rock stack below.

Rock stacks can be found in contact with soil (above photo) or on rock outcrops as the one pictured below (top photo is rear view and bottom photo is detail of front view). The sandstone slabs seen in the photos did not originate from the outcrop nor did the white chert shown propping the slab.

A U shaped structure (see photos below) constructed with available laid-up sandstone is positioned approximately fifty feet from a large, rather spectacular natural stone formation (the base measures 46'x20'). This type of formation is a rare occurrence in this area and no doubt was a sacred place to the builders. The ends of the U open up to a summer solstice sunset alignment. Ted Ballard, who has done considerable research and study of these types of structures in New England, confirmed the structure is very comparable to those he has reported. It has been his experience that if you find one there are others. I have had no luck so far, but a new exploration season is about to begin. (Note the small double vertical modifiers located inside U in the third photo below.)

Very simple stone shelter shrines abound. One large stone is usually perched at an angle on two smaller stones forming a shelter. One to five small stones can be found embedded in the soil beneath. These stones typically appear ordinary, even junky, for lack of a better word. It was not until I discovered two small abstract bison effigy stones that appeared to be green (unweathered) stone when set, that I realized ritual was involved. I am noticing color, shape, and placement of these offering stones but have discovered no clear pattern.

A natural rock shelter shrine, shown below, houses a most remarkable stone. The stone appears to display a natural petroglyph. It probably was brought from the river below because its origin is not from the immediate area. A host of stones are laid around the drip line of the shelter and several stones are set underneath the overhang as companions to the natural petroglyph stone. Although I have found other natural rock shelters exhibiting drip line stones, I have not found another stone set with such ceremony.

Rectangular blocks and flat stone pointers are exactly as their name implies. Because these shapes are abundant, both of these elements are heavily intermingled with the stonework. Set rectangular blocks are easily identified from their natural counterparts because the set blocks are always rotated so that the natural rock strata or face is upward. Flat stone pointers are frequently used to change directions when there are many lines of stones. These lines often resemble a giant spider's web stretched over the hillside. Sometimes the builders place two flat stone pointers side by side with each point facing in the opposite direction (reverse pointers).

Ridge stones are similar in shape to the ridge-top mounds that can be seen at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois which is approximately 120 miles from my research area. It is surmised that the ridge-top mounds had an important significance as well as being marker mounds. Ridge stones are a common reoccurring element and seem to hold an important significance as well. They are associated with every other element and most particular with triangular blocks.

The stones in the above photos are a small representation of the numerous stones I have recognized as prehistoric Native American stonework in the past two years. Because the stonework harmonizes with the natural stone and landscape it has gone largely unnoticed. Dense underbrush is certainly not a help either. Long time locals who have spent many an hour in the woods can often recall a stone or stones that did not look natural but never considered pursuing it further. In relating their stories of where and when, many seemed relieved that they are not the only ones who have noticed unusual stones that may have meaning.

September 2000