Reply To: Summer Solstice Celebrations

[Dave TheDruid-3X3Participant]

Here is a Picture of the Central Cairn of the Turtle Effigy along with a Information Board:

View post on imgur.com

The Information Board states:

The Minton Effigy: Is it a Turtle?
When it was first discovered several decades ago, it was presumed that the Minton Effigy represented a turtle and it was thus named accordingly. Since that time, however people have noted the differences between the characteristics of the Minton Effigy and the other turtle effigies located in Saskatchewan.

The Minton Turtle Effigy measures 41.98 metres long and 26.07 metres wide. It has a rounded body and head with visible eyes, a mouth, ears, front and hind legs and a tail. A heart line extends from below its neck and several lines of stones radiate outward from its 9-metre central cairn. A smaller stone cairn (stone pile) is positioned beside the large central cairn.

The physical difference between the Minton Effigy and the Hardy, Giles and other turtle effigies in the region have led researchers and others to question whether the Minton Effigy actually represents a turtle or something else. Recent research into this question suggests that the Minton Effigy may represent a badger.

A number of explanations seem plausible in the search for a better understanding of the form and function of the Minton Effigy. Despite the many unanswered questions, the Minton Turtle Effigy is a significant curltural feature in Sasktachewan.

Minton Turtle Effigy:
– positioned on its back
– eyes looking upward
– nasal and mouth openings
and ears positioned upward
– no claws on front or hind legs
– has non-turtle tail
– has a central cairn (stone
pile) and heart line

Hardy and Giles Turtle Effigies
– positioned on their front
– eyes looking downward
– nasal and mouth openings
and ears positioned downward
– claws in front and hind legs
– has turtle-like tail

3X3