Decades ago, two petroglyph boulders were donated to the University of Georgia. Adorned with spiral designs, and other motifs, these boulders are a testament to Georgia's Native American heritage. The smaller petroglyph boulder, also known as “Squirrel Rock”, was originally found in White County on the slopes of Squirrel Mountain. Squirrel Rock was donated to the University of Georgia sometime between 1930 and 1950. It was originally placed in the yard of Lustrat House on the University’s main campus before being moved to the walled garden of the Law School in the 1960s. The larger petroglyph boulder, also known as “Silver City Rock,” was originally located in Forsyth County. Donated by A.G. Vaughn in 1963, the petroglyph was initially placed near the Georgia Museum of Art (GMOA). In 1997, both petroglyphs were moved in front of Baldwin Hall on the University’s main campus under the care of the GMOA. 

Petroglyph boulders such as these, served as monumental markers to Muskogean and Cherokee peoples and would have served as served as vital points of communication and information as they made their way through the forests and mountains of what is now Georgia. In essence, these are talking rocks, or Cvto-ponayv  (Cha-Doh Bow-Nay-uh) in the Mvskoke language and Digawonisgi Nvya (Dee-Gah-Whoa-Knee-Ski Nuh-Yah) in the Cherokee language.

Annelies Mondie, former Interim Director of the GMOA recalls, “more than a decade ago Stephen Kowalewski (Faculty Emeritus) with the Department of Anthropology contacted me about transferring stewardship of the two petroglyph boulders from the Georgia Museum of Art to the Laboratory of Archaeology.”  Conversations between GMOA, the Laboratory of Archaeology, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation began to occur, and it was jointly decided to transfer stewardship care to the Laboratory and move both boulders so that they could be better preserved.  The smaller petroglyph boulder, Squirrel Rock, was moved to the atrium of the Laboratory, and the larger petroglyph boulder, Silver City Rock, was moved underneath an outdoor structure. Mondi continues “I am grateful to have been a part of the relocation and to see these important artifacts in their new home, Dr. Amanda Roberts Thompson, her associates and students, and representatives from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have already accomplished considerable work in cleaning, protecting, and interpreting these culturally significant objects thereby preserving them for generations to come.

Anthony Beaver, Deputy Secretary of Culture and Humanities of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation said “Mvto to the University of Georgia’s Laboratory of Archaeology, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Historic and Cultural Preservation Department, and everyone who has played a role in the relocation, preservation, and continued care of these petroglyph boulders.” The relocation of these boulders reflects an important aspect of archaeological stewardship: caring for cultural heritage is not simply about preserving objects.  It also requires recognizing their cultural significance, engaging descendant communities, and working collaboratively to determine appropriate approaches to their care. Beaver continues “The relocation of these boulders represents an important opportunity to work together to preserve our history and culture. These petroglyphs are more than stone; they are reminders of, and evidence of, our enduring connection to our ancestors and homelands. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of this collaborative effort and look forward to future work together.” 

If you would like to help support the preservation of Georgia’s Native American heritage, click here to donate to the Laboratory.