News in Brief Archaeology

Newly translated Cherokee cave writings reveal sacred messages

The inscriptions were found in Manitou Cave in Alabama

a photo of a Cherokee inscription on the wall of a cave

TEAM SPIRIT  A Cherokee inscription inside an Alabama cave likely refers to rituals conducted in 1828 before a spiritually significant athletic contest similar to modern-day lacrosse, researchers say.

A. Cressler, B.D. Carroll et al/Antiquity 2019

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Shortly before being forced out of their homeland in the 1830s, Cherokee people of the southeastern United States left written accounts on cave walls of secretive rituals.