Key Number:	HS 15706
Site Name:	Rumsey Cairn
Other Names:	Indian Stone Pile
Site Type:	1315 - Governmental: Monument, Cairn or Statue 1910 - Archaeological Site

Location

ATS Legal Description:

			Twp	Rge	Mer
			33	21	4

Address:	N/A
Number:	N/A
Street:	N/A
Avenue:	N/A
Other:
Town:
Near Town:

Media

Type	Number	Date	View	Source

Architectural

Style:
Plan Shape:
Storeys:
Foundation:
Superstructure:
Superstructure Cover:
Roof Structure:
Roof Cover:
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Exterior:	N/A
Interior:	N/A
Environment:	Site is near the northern boarder of Plains region and is situated on a hill with a commanding view. East of the Red Deer River.
Condition:	Most of the central cairn is destroyed with many rocks out of place. Cairn rebuilt after excavated in 1961. Effigy is scattered.
Alterations:	1961 - rebuilt

Historical

Construction:	Construction Date:
Usage:	Usage Date:
N/A
Owner:	Owner Date:
Province of Alberta	1964/06/02

Architect:	N/A
Builder:	N/A
Craftsman:	N/A
History:	Mound of stones believed to have ceremonial significance. Large stone cairn, perhaps originally 15' - 20' in diameter. Depending on the source, the cairn was reported to be 5' tall (Raymond Moore, interviewed during Glenbow Fndn. Survey 1961, 9' tall (Betty Kilgour & Kerry Wood) and 12 ' tall (Mr. Tolman, interviewed by Glenbow, 1961. This last figure is not thought to be accurate). Early photos show a pine tree rising from the top of the cairn, but Ray Moore said it was placed there by his uncle. The cairn is surrounded by one or more rings of stone, and is associated with effigy figures. Tipi rigns are at the bottom of the hill (which is locally called Stone Pile Hill). Effigy figures represent a man, a horse, and possibly a dog. * * * Cultural affiliation may be Blackfoot. Glenbow excavations in 1961 suggest that entire area was once a camp (pottery sherds and stone flakes). Burials and artifacts were reportedly removed during the 1920s and 30s. On basis of point types, the site 'seems very late, almost protohistoric'. May be placed in Cayley sequence. At any rate it is pre-1906 if the photograph below was indeed taken in that year. During the 19th century, several tribes of the Northern Plains, including Blackfoot, built boulder effigies to commemorate events of historical interest to the tribe, viz battles, great speeches, and the punishment of marital infidelity. 'These effigies were in the form of crude human or animal fiqures and were associated with 'trails' of boulders and small cairns.' Perhaps this site was such a monument. * * * This Medicine Wheel site consists of a large stone cairn perhaps originally 15' - 20' in diameter. The cairn is surrounded by one or more rings of stone and is associated with effigy figures representing a man, a horse and possibly a dog. Teppee rings are at the bottom of the Stone Rib hill. On the basis of point types recovered from the site, the site seems to be very late, almost 'prehistoric.' May be placed in Cayley sequence. During the 19th century, several tribes of the Northern Plains, including Blackfoot, built boulder effigies to commemorate events of historical interest to the tribe. When the site was excavated by Glenbow, it was found to be disturbed. A tree had been planted by a local settler in the center of the cairn.

Internal

Designation Status:	Designation Date:
Provincial Historic Resource	1979/12/04

Register:	N/A

Links

Internet:
Alberta Register of Historic Places:	4665-0109