Found in a cave, what is it?

[MichaelB]

I took the family on a mini vacation to Valley Head AL where we went into some local caverns. The item below was found in the cave several hundred years ago. There is written reference on the item in the early 1800's. The current owners had no idea what it could be. Any idea? Creek Indian items from Indians who were hiding from the Trail of Tears were found but this doesn't look Southern Indian to me.

MichaelB

 

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[DJ_Quinn]

It looks like some of the monastic effigies I've seen here in Ireland. Do you havea better pic?

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Was it painted or carved? Cant tell by the picture.

 

[Angelo]

Maybe a carving of a Spaniard. Hernando DeSoto Expedition.

 

[Monty]

The Trail of tears was made by the Cherokee tribe of which my forefathers were members. But it looks like something those darn Muscogees would find. Monty

 

[MichaelB]

Sorry I should have taken a better picture. It is a sculpture. It looks almost Myan in the exagerated features. It was cool to see.

MichaelB

 

[DJ_Quinn]

Michael, that does not look Myan to me, it looks like a European effigy.

 

[downindixie]

what is it made from?Rock,wood,metal?Put a dime or something in the picture that we can reference size!

 

[Angelo]

Did a little more internet surfing.

Reconsider my origianal reply. Hernando DeSoto spent about 5 years in that area.

Here's a map of part of his travels...Right through Valley Head.

Like Fleamistress said...Depiction of Christ....Quite possible as the Spaniards were quite religious at the same time as commiting mayhem. Perhaps they carried it with them.

If it is from the Conquistador period....MUCHO DINERO!, LOT'S OF PESETAS!!!!!

Would also agree with DJ Quinn about being European

 

[Heavy Chevy]

MichaelB,

I chatted with you a while back. This is possibly a carving of Christ or a Spaniard.
Hard to tell from the photo.
Lots of Spaniard's wore beards or goatee's.We know the Spanish were exploring the SouthEast in the 1540's and later. My point is "Who left the carving and why?"
"Is it a marker of some type?" I would explore the cave real good if i were you MichaelB.

Take Care my Friend,

Mike in SC

 

[MichaelB]

The item is made of stone. It is 24" x 20" tall.

From my questions they knew little more than what I previously stated. It was obvious the cave was used by Indians, Civil War personnel and now modern visitors. They have taken steps to keep it all locked up and protected.

I wish I knew more. I know this group likes a mystery!!

MichaelB

 

[DigEmAll]

Being from the area just on the other side of the mountain from there... on the Georgia side, and having done my fair share of caving, I have seen many little statues and some very intricate ones that were made by spelunkers over the ages. It is possible that it isn't what everyone thinks it is. Might just be a guy with some time on his hands. However, if I had to guess, I WOULD go with a sculpture of Christ that might just be Spanish.

 

[Gunner]

To me, it has a very "Folk Art" style typical of the southern famous "Face Jugs" manufactured by the late (and famous) C.J. Meaders. See pic and hopefully you will see the style similarity that I am alluding to.

Gunner

 

[MichaelB]

I found the attached as some items Desoto came across in his journey that included Valley head. After seeing this I am leaning towards that explanation.

MichaelB

 

[Burdie]

Very interesting post sorry I can't help. Burdie

 

[reallygruvin]

It is possible that it could be of Welsh Origin. It has been documented that a Welsh Prince (Prince Madoc "Mad dog") landed in Mobile Bay way before Columbus in 1170 and traveled to North Alabama until being driven farther North by Indians. There are Welsh ruins less than 10 miles from where that was found. There are also the same type ruins on Fort Mountain Ga, and in Tennessee. It is known that Indians of that time did not use such fortifications and they pre-date Columbus. Here are some links I have been researching. I live around 15 miles South of Valley Head and have just gotten into MD'ing and hunting, Although I have been doing historical research for a few years. Just found this site and decided to join up. I would take it somewhere and have it dated. who knows, maybe maybe not. I to have seen some cave doodlings in my day. Good luck.

http://www.desotostatepark.com/lol-welsh%20caves.htm
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~cmddlton/mdc.html

 

[reallygruvin]

After reading your post closer, it is possible that I know the owners, this being a rural area. I could relay the research I have found to them if you like, although there is limited knowlege out there on the subject.

 

[MichaelB]

By all means pass it along. The guide was the 16 yr old daughter of the Manager and she was super nice. My family enjoyed it much more than the big cave a Desoto.

Also there is an old barn and old homesite (foundation only) up the hill from the campground. It looks like a great MD site. Good luck.

MichaelB