Bison Ribstones in Alberta

Overview

The bison ribstones of Alberta are ancient, sacred carved stones that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples of the Plains, particularly the Cree and Blackfoot nations. These ribstones are boulders carved to resemble the ribcage and backbone of a bison, an animal that was central to the survival and spirituality of the region's Indigenous peoples for thousands of years^[1][2][3][4].

Location and Rarity

• The most famous and best-preserved ribstones are the Viking Ribstones, located on a hilltop near Viking, Alberta. These are the only ribstones in Alberta that remain in their original location^{[1][2][3][5][4][6][7]}.
• Historically, nine ribstone sites have been identified in Alberta, but most have been moved or disturbed due to agriculture or development; the Viking Ribstones are unique for their preservation and accessibility^[2][3][4][6].

Physical Description

• The Viking Ribstones consist of two large quartzite boulders, each carved with a long central groove (representing the backbone) and shorter grooves branching off to the sides (representing ribs)^[1][2][3][5].
• Circular pits or holes are also present on the stones. Interpretations of these features vary:
• Some believe they represent wounds from arrows or bullets.
• Others suggest the holes were made to mimic the sound of a running herd during pre-hunt ceremonies.
• Another theory is that the holes were inspired by the nearby Iron Creek Meteorite (Manitou Stone), which has a similarly pitted surface^[2][3].

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

• The ribstones are monuments to "Old Man Buffalo," the spiritual protector of the bison herds. Indigenous hunters would visit these sites to make offerings and prayers for good luck before hunts and to give thanks after successful hunts^{[1][2][3][4][7]}.
• Offerings such as tobacco, sweetgrass, feathers, and prayer cloths are still left at the site today, reflecting the continued spiritual importance of the ribstones to Indigenous communities^[2][3][5].
• The ribstones are considered sacred sites and are approached with respect, with rituals and ceremonies still performed there^[2][3][4].

Historical Context and Repatriation

• The ribstones are estimated to be over a thousand years old, though their exact age is unknown^[7].
• In recent years, there has been a movement to repatriate ribstone artifacts held in museums to their Indigenous communities, recognizing their importance as symbols of identity, sovereignty, and spiritual strength^[8].
• The return of ribstones to places like the Siksika Nation is seen as a key act of reconciliation and cultural restoration^[8].

Visiting the Viking Ribstones

• The Viking Ribstones are located about 18 km (11 miles) east of the town of Viking, Alberta, accessible via Highway 14 and local roads^[1][7].
• The site is marked and protected as a provincial historical resource, with interpretive signs explaining its significance^[1][5][7].
• Visitors are encouraged to approach with respect, recognizing the ongoing cultural and spiritual importance of the site to Indigenous peoples^[2][3][5].

Summary Table: Key Facts about Alberta’s Ribstones

Feature	Details
Location	Near Viking, Alberta (only original site remaining)
Number of Sites	Nine historically known in Alberta
Material	Quartzite boulders
Carvings	Grooves (backbone and ribs), circular pits/holes
Age	Over 1,000 years (exact age unknown)
Cultural Role	Sacred site for prayers, offerings, ceremonies related to bison hunting
Current Status	Provincial historical resource, active sacred site, some ribstones being repatriated

The bison ribstones of Alberta stand as powerful reminders of the deep relationship between Indigenous peoples and the bison, as well as the enduring spiritual traditions that continue to this day^{[1][2][8][3][4][7]}.

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• https://www.travelalberta.com/listings/viking-ribstones-6162       
• https://prairiepeople.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/a-sacred-site-the-buffalo-ribstones-by-viking/          
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UlgnjNcCfk          
• https://www.flagstaff.ca/news/indigenous-history-significant-to-flagstaff/      
• https://everywhereonfoot.com/blog/2018/6/11/viking-ribstones     
• http://dustymusette.blogspot.com/2021/06/viking-ribstones.html  
• https://www.beaver.ab.ca/tourism/heritage      
• https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/indigenous-ribstones-returned-to-siksika-alberta-indigenous