Page 2 - RAGBRAI2010

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Not only are we excited that Team Archaeology is State Archaeologist, John Doershuk, sporting
back for our third ride, we are energized to be part of a the Team Archaeology cycling jersey.
“Human and Natural History” partnership that allows us
expanded opportunities to share the story of Iowa’s amaz-
ing past. Once again there will be archaeologists along for
the ride, as well as at Expo and this year at roadside loca-
tions Day One, Five and Six. Don’t hesitate to ask about
the history of the first people to travel this landscape as
well as the stories of each generation that has contributed
to what we know of ourselves today. We will also feature
information about the landscape and natural resources
of Iowa you will encounter along the route through our
partnering colleagues specializing in geology, hydrology,
and other earth sciences. Enjoy using this booklet as your
guide to the week’s activities and please help yourself to
free materials from our outreach booth about our shared
past and the natural world we depend on. Ride smart, be
safe, and when you get home, be sure to tell your friends
and neighbors about Iowa archaeology!

- John F. Doershuk, State Archaeologist

PETROGLYPHS IN IOWA

Petroglyphs, or stone engraved images, appear in a number of places across Iowa, and the last
part of our ride on Day 1 brings us very near a prominent example. Pilot Rock, a massive boulder

transported and deposited by the last glacier, is located just north of the route, along Highway
59 (which intersects with the route after Quimby) and contains several incised images.
The largest petroglyph on the boulder is a “turkey track,” and measures 34 cm
(13.4 inches). Similar “turkey track” motifs have been found throughout
the Midwest. Other Iowa petroglyph sites comprise a wide variety
of designs, including: bear, buffalo, and turtle, as well as
the bird-man (anthropomorphized bird) figure that has
become part of the seal of the Office of the State
Archaeologist. Much like burial mounds,
petroglyphs are a visible sign of Iowa’s
former inhabitants, and are ever
in danger of disappearing
do to vandalism and
weathering.

Tracings of Birdman (left) and
Turkey Track (right) petroglyphs.