Ancient Native American Artwork Highlighted in Maine’s Capital

As part of the Maine Arts Commission's Arts in the Capitol series, artwork created to raise awareness of ancient Passamaquoddy rock carvings, possibly dating back as far as 10,000 years, is now on display throughout Maine’s Capitol complex.

The Equinox Project, that features works from 22 women artists, native and non-native, and over 30 Passamaquoddy children from Pleasant Point and Indian Township schools, is touring the state to increase awareness of Passamaquoddy culture.

In October of 2006, one of the most sacred and well-documented sites of ancient petroglyphs on the eastern seaboard of the United States was returned to its original peoples, the Passamaquoddy Tribe. The site is known as “Picture Rocks” and lies on the Machias Bay in Downeast Maine. The rock carvings and peckings date as far back as 3,000 to 5,000 years and its most ancient peckings may be as old as 10,000 years. Believed to be made by Shamans, the petroglyphs are positioned in a way that makes them most visible at the fall or spring equinox.

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