The bizarre morphology of Native American pictographs could have less to do with cultural stylization - or even UFO's - than distorted imagery rendered by hallucinogenic visions. In short, the answer might be pharmacology and not cosmology.Peoples such as the Ancestral Puebloan were familiar with substances like psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and datura. Tribal leaders and shamans would induce visions by ingesting these toxic plants. From their bizarre imaginings sprang forth fantastic images of strange worlds and the creatures dwelling there. Believing these visions held portent, what they saw was then recorded into stone glyphs and pottery for posterity.
Of course, without being able to penetrate the thoughts of someone a thousand years removed, it is difficult to say for certain that it wasn't inspired by extraterrestrial visions. Still, it is a unique counterpoint to ponder when one desires a balanced examination of the UFO/EBE enigma.
4 comments:
C:
You know I agree pretty much with your conjectures.
But I'm wondering why other elements in pictographs, such as animals, torsos, et cetera, aren't distorted if mushrooms or other hallucinogenic materials produce the images proffered?
And how could a drug-induced "artist" even find the cave-wall or rock they used as a "canvas" if they were stoned?
(I mean no pun there.)
Your view, nonetheless, is viable, and should be followed up by someone who thinks such drawings and art have been misconstrued by UFO believers.
Rich
UFO Iconoclast(s) etc.
Because, I theorize, not all artistic renderings were done under the influence, as it were. It is presumed by archaeologists that certain depictions such as deer, stick figures, etc.. are strictly representational. So, too, are linear progressions of dots, which seem to indicate distance traveled, wavy lines indicating rivers, and other "obvious" renderings. My question is what if these more obtuse depictions are the psychodelics of the day. It's like listening to country music all day (huntin', fishin', drinkin') and then suddenly you hear the oddly surreal imagery and sonic playfulness of the Beatles. "I am the Walrus. Coo coo ka choo.."
C:
Well, if you put it that way....
RR
"How could they have found a cave wall"....Evidence of prehistoric and historic civilizations indicate that caves, remote area with rock faces overlooking some sacred space, etc., were often sites of sacred rituals. They did not find such when "stoned" but perhaps became "stoned" once there as an element of the ritual they performed in that place. The resulting "visions" might have been viewed as messages from the Gods....
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