Supposed Ute map,
engraved in wood,
with explanation.
Supposed Ute map,
left side,
with explanation
Supposed Ute map,
right side,
with explanation.
I have been
writing recently on the phenomenon known as Apophenia - the "human tendency to seek patterns in random information." (Wikipedia)
This is manifested in pareidolia (recognizing ponies in the clouds, for
instance), and also by fascination with mimetoliths (items that naturally look like
something else - mimic them).
Identified as a Map of Stratton
Open Space and Drainage.
Well, it
turns out that there are plenty of people who experience that, whose facility
for seeing artifacts in natural objects is considerably more sensitive than
mine (or they are just a lot better at fooling themselves). I was recently sent
a number of photos of pieces of pine branches showing insect boring patterns
that the discoverer is certain represent maps created by Ute Indians. He has even been able to identify the area they portray, now a neighborhood in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Now, to me,
they represent prime examples of Apophenia/Pareidolia,
and even could be classified as Mimetoliths
(mimicking actual maps), but the discoverer appears completely convinced by
what he has found. Indeed, he apparently agrees that most pieces of wood
that can be found with these markings are merely insect tracks, but he believes
he can tell a difference and recognize the few examples that he has collected
as "the real thing."
Map of Stratton Open Space,
Parks Department, City of
Colorado Springs, CO.
I think of
this situation as paralleling the rock art/ogam controversy. I know those marks are not
ogam, but I cannot convince the proponents - indeed, I have no way of proving
it to them. This is the power of Apophenia,
it is psychologically ingrained deeply into our makeup. Once, our ancestors were
on the lookout for predators in the underbrush who could be recognized by the
shape of a lion's ear through a break in the foliage, the contour of the side of a jaguar's head in a shadow, this is instinctive and was basic to our very survival.
Our subconscious does this all the time, it is primal and not under our
conscious rational control. Whereas scientific facts are merely new ideas on the
surface that we trade between ourselves, nowhere near as powerful in our
overall conscious-subconscious makeup.
So, I do
not expect to be able to convince the discoverer of what I recognize as the
truth - insect chewed wood. That would be merely boring fact. He has the power
of belief on his side, and he knows down to his soul that he has made this
important, historically significant discovery. He is, of course, wrong, but I
almost envy him the strength of his belief. (Although I suspect that with a microscope we could detect the actual bite marks of the larvae that tunneled through the wood.)
This also
represents the ideal time to introduce another term sometimes applied in this
field - a Manuport. "In archaeology
and anthropology, a manuport is a natural object which has been moved from its
original context by human agency but otherwise remains unmodified."
(Wikipedia) These pieces of tree limb are manuports because they interested
their collector enough to pick them up and take them back to his residence.
Mimetoliths that are seen to be interesting enough often become Manuports. In this case - you be the judge.
NOTE: For these particular objects I cannot use the term mimetolith (which basically translates as rock that mimics) because they are not rocks. Perhaps we can call them mimetoports to indicate that they are mimics that were collected by a human and transported.
Also: I am purposely withholding the name of this individual to preserve his privacy. If he wants me to release it he can e-mail me and I will pass it along.
Also: I am purposely withholding the name of this individual to preserve his privacy. If he wants me to release it he can e-mail me and I will pass it along.
REFERENCE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apophenia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuport
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