Rockford tablet cast 7193 cataloged by Smithsonian's Cyrus Thomas in 1882. Cast model number 7193 accessioned in 1882 by Cyrus Thomas at the Smithsonian Three different tablets found in Rockford mounds: two with engraved writing and one with a sun symbol and central shaft One associated tablet reportedly dated 1711
Cyrus Thomas accessioned cast model 7193 at the Smithsonian in 1882, documenting at least three tablets from Rockford mounds. Reporters of the era drew comparisons to ancient script, zodiac symbols, and even the Mexican calendar stone. The tablet's cross-hatched edges resemble artifacts from Burrow's Cave, while turkey track petroglyphs appear widely across Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. Despite over a century of study, the symbols remain undeciphered and their authenticity continues to spark debate among researchers.
Key Facts
- Cast model number 7193 accessioned in 1882 by Cyrus Thomas at the Smithsonian
- Three different tablets found in Rockford mounds: two with engraved writing and one with a sun symbol and central shaft
- One associated tablet reportedly dated 1711
- Reporters compared its signs to ancient script, zodiac symbols, and the Mexican calendar stone
- Intricate cross-hatching on tablet edges compared to similar artifacts from Burrow's Cave
- Turkey track petroglyphs commonly found throughout the Midwest in Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana
- Second square tablet cataloged in same sequence with a radiant disc above a long staff
- Tablet symbols remain undeciphered and authenticity debated
Source: The Roundtable Chronicles - Ep. 26 by Institute for Natural Philosophy