Agawa Pictograph Site

One of the most famous pictograph sites in Canada is found in AGAWA BAY, within LAKE SUPERIOR PROVINCIAL PARK. The site's name in OJIBWA is Mazinaubikiniguning, which means "the adorned rock on Agawa Lake." The site was discovered by Selwyn Dewdney in 1958, although it had already been reported by the ethnologist Henry Schoolcraft. The latter had also received the interpretation of the paintings at the beginning of the 19th century, although he never actually saw them. It was while carrying out surveys of First Nation populations around SAULT STE MARIE that Schoolcraft met Shingwaukonce, who drew for him on birch bark the painted figures as he remembered them.

The Agawa Rock Pictographs are shown in their beautiful setting in Lake Superior Park, all in images and music. From jjwansser, You Tube.

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The cliff is on a big rock of white crystalline granite, which contrasts with the red paintings although mineral traces, lichens and graffiti have damaged them in some places. The rock can be divided into about a dozen panels where are found abstract figures (lines, circles, etc), but also beautiful representations of canoes, and real animals (eg, a bear, an eagle, a horse, a turtle) as well as mythical ones. The Agawa site is one of the most visited indigenous archaeological sites in Canada.

A most interesting overview of the Agawa Pictographs, their history and meaning. From Lake Superior Park, You Tube.

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The first paintings represent canoes, which are preceded by animals (a heron, an eagle, and a beaver) that are probably the CLAN symbols of the canoes' passengers. According to Shingwaukonce, it is the great chief and SHAMAN Myeengun who drew those paintings to commemorate a war expedition.

The site's central part includes an individual on a horse, two long curved lines, four circles, one canoe beside two-legged snakes, and a large representation of MISHIPESHU, the Great Lynx. It is apparently Shingwaukonce himself who traced these paintings when he led a revolt against miners who exploited the copper deposit of Mamainse, on the shores of Lake Superior. After fasting several days at the Agawa rock to gain spiritual powers, he chose to paint Mishipeshu because this aquatic monster is the holder and protector of copper. The horseman was apparently drawn later, either to show Shingwaukonce's power as a shaman, as a few Natives of the region believe, or to commemorate a war expedition, as reported by Schoolcraft. The circles located under the horse represent, according to the former, the fact that he belongs to the fourth degree of the MIDEWIWIN lodge, whereas for the ethnologist, they are four suns that stand for four days.

The last panel of the site shows another representation of Mishipeshu with a turtle, a fish and a canoe. This part of the site is not accessible to visitors. The majority of paintings from the Agawa site probably date from the 17th and 18th centuries. This dating obtained through Shingwaukonce's testimonies is confirmed by the representations, since the horse only appeared in this region after the 17th century.

Author SERGE LEMAÎTRE

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge
The website for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge, which features Canada's largest essay writing competition for Aboriginal youth (ages 14-29) and a companion program for those who prefer to work through painting, drawing and photography. See their guidelines, teacher resources, profiles of winners, and more. From the Historica-Dominion Institute.

Lake Superior Provincial Park
The website for Lake Superior Provincial Park highlights recreational opportunities. Click on "Park Information," then "Park Info," and then "Park History" to access details about the famous Agawa Rock Pictographs.

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their history and culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and an extensive array of learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.

Pictograph site a rockin' billboard for Ojibway ancestors to leave messages
A news story about the "rediscovery" of the Agawa Rock Pictograph site on the shores of Lake Superior. From saultstar.com.