CUPULES AND CUT LINES: AN EXPANDED VIEW OF KODIAK ALUTIIQ PETROGLYPHS.

Alaska’s Kodiak Archipelago is known for its Alutiiq/Sugpiaq petroglyphs. Rock carvings showing people, faces, animals, objects, and geometric designs are well documented around Cape Alitak and on the shores of Afognak Bay. Recent archaeological research illustrates that a second, more abstract style of petroglyph is also present across the region. Sites with pecked cupules and cut lines occur in at least 10 locations, carved into immovable boulders and bedrock outcrops beside salmon streams and bay mouths. An association between cupule sites and settlements suggests that this rock art dates to the Koniag tradition. The circular shape of the cupules, placement at the water’s edge, affiliation with anadromous streams, occurrence beside barrier fishing structures, and manufacture during repeated site visits suggest that these carvings helped harvesters maintain relationships with animals to ensure future supplies of fish and game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]