The Recording and Interpretation of Two Petroglyph Locales, Track Rock Gap and Hickorynut Mountain

This report is written in response to a request by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests to map, trace, photograph, condition assess, describe, determine super-impositions, stylistically cross-date, compare, and evaluate for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) the petroglyph boulders within the Track Rock Gap complex (Site 9UN3) in Union County and a separate petroglyph complex on the southern slope of Hickorynut Mountain (Site 9WHll4) in White County. Additionally, graffiti removal was conducted at both the Track Rock and Hickorynut petroglyph complexes. Brief conservation and management recommendations are outlined for both complexes too. Eight boulders with petroglyphs at Track Rock and two boulders at Hickorynut were mapped traced, photographed, and condition assessed. Ethno-historical background research of direct Cherokee statements and comparative instances strongly suggests that Track Rock had religious significance among the Indians. Although we do not have direct statements concerning the Hickorynut boulders, similarities in designs and placement on the overall landscape with Track Rock suggest that Hickorynut too was special among the Indians. Based on available ethno-historic, archaeological, petroglyph identification and layout, and landscape evidence, it is suggested that the petroglyph boulders at both Track Rock and Hickorynut are three-dimensional scaled-down models of the spirit world that the Indians believed to exist in the mountains behind the boulders. Human foot, animal and bird track, and vulva-form designs on the boulders are similar to those found on rock surfaces throughout most of the Siouan-speaking region that spreads diagonally across the United States. Nested rings on the boulders are in turn similar to Mid-Woodland to Mid-Mississippian period ceramic designs in the southeastern United States. Harris Diagram analyses of observed petroglyph overlaps at Track Rock and Hickorynut suggest that footprints, tracks, vulva-forms, curvilinear designs, and cupules are part and parcel of the same rock art repertoire, instead of representing different periods. Stylistic cross-dating of the concentric ring designs, in addition to indirect petroglyph dates from a variety of other contexts, suggest that the boulder date between 1,500 to 200 years ago. Three boulders at Track Rock with soapstone quarry scars have research potential to help archaeologists better understand the Late Archaic period. Pockets of intact soil deposits at both petroglyph complexes have potential to yield material remains that may enable researchers to better understand the sites and their prehistoric functions. Micro-stratigraphic accretion layers within the less damaged petroglyph surfaces may contain physical clues concerning production tool residues. Judging from available evidence, the historic significance of the sites is of less importance, but nevertheless worthy of more investigation. Historic period remains, associated with nineteenth/twentieth century corundum mining near Track Rock, could be present in the vicinity of the boulders. Track Rock is moreover important to historic period and modern-day visitors, many who seemingly do not fully grasp its significance. Local people seem to be aware of Hickorynut's existence and location, so much so that some felt compelled to highlight the petroglyphs with acrylic paint. The fact that both Track Rock and Hickorynut are on National Forest land makes them pre-eminently suitable for proactive management. Recommended conservation and management actions at the sites include: clear the vegetation around both sites so that sunlight can fall on the petroglyph surfaces; remove the four existing grates at Track Rock; establish a low psychological barrier in front of the petroglyph boulders at Track Rock; reduce the height of the surrounding fence so that chance visitors can better view the petroglyphs at Hickorynut; establish a monitoring schedule at each site and recruit a volunteer site steward for monitoring and cleaning purposes; prepare additional site interpretation or revise existing interpretation at Track Rock; provide a clear on-site interpretation and a positive conservation message for chance visitors at Hickorynut; and place information about the Track Rock site on the Forest web site.