What is the medicine wheel?
The medicine wheel (also called the Sun Dance Circle or Sacred Hoop) is an ancient and sacred symbol used by many Tribes. It signifies Earth’s boundary and all the knowledge of the universe.
What is the oldest medicine wheel in the world?
Hundreds of stone medicine wheels dot the landscapes of the U.S. and Canada. The oldest (in Alberta, Canada) is estimated to be over 5,000 years old. One of the largest and best-preserved is the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming.
How old is the Majorville medicine wheel?
The Majorville Medicine Wheel consists of a central cairn, 9 meters across, with 28 spokes radiating outward to form an outer ring that is 27 meters in diameter. At around 5,000 years old, the medicine wheel at Majorville is also the oldest known. Dating of the wheel was first done by examining the style of spear points and arrowheads at the site.
What is the direction of movement in the medicine wheel?
Movement in the Medicine Wheel and in Native American ceremonies is circular, and typically in a clockwise, or “sun-wise” direction. This helps to align with the forces of Nature, such as gravity and the rising and setting of the Sun.
The medicine wheel, originating from Native American traditions, is also referred to as Sacred Hoop. The medicine wheel represents the sacred circle of life, its basic four directions, and their associated elements.
What is the Bighorn Medicine Wheel?
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is perhaps the most famous of all medicine wheels. At an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet, the wheel at Bighorn is only accessible during the summer months.
Why is the medicine wheel important to Cherokee Art?
It is however a concept used by contemporary Cherokee artists of all disciplines. The reason the medicine wheel is a popular native expression is because it represents core principles shared by many indigenous cultures.
Where is the world’s largest medicine wheel?
The largest extant medicine wheel is located near Majorville in southern Alberta. The Majorville Medicine Wheel consists of a central cairn, 9 meters across, with 28 spokes radiating outward to form an outer ring that is 27 meters in diameter. At around 5,000 years old, the medicine wheel at Majorville is also the oldest known.