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Ted and Mary Bentley examined rock carving methods in Gabriola: Petroglyph Island (Sono Nis, 1981; revised 1998), dating techniques and locations pertaining to the Native Indian rock art on Gabriola Island. Both were born in B.C. and have lived on Bowen Island since 1991. She has taught weaving at University College of the Fraser Valley and he has taught mathematics at Capilano College.
[BCBW 2004] "Anthropology" "First Nations"
[BCBW 2004] "Anthropology" "First Nations"
Articles: 1 Article for this author
Gabriola: Petroglyph Island (Sono Nis $14.95)
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A casual comment by a ferry passenger about "carved marks"; in sandstone in 1976 led to the discovery of the Church Site petroglyphs on Gabriola Island, including a large serpent frequently mentioned in coastal legends.
"How many years had these incredible petroglyphs remained under grass and moss?"; asked amateur sleuths Mary and Ted Bentley. The couple had already recorded and photographed five previously known petroglyphs on the island.
Returning to the Church Site on numerous occasions in 1977, they rolled back layers of spongy moss to view the elaborate petroglyphs described in their revised edition of Gabriola: Petroglyph Island (Sono Nis $14.95).
Weldwood Canada donated 15 acres to preserve the area intact. "In the 22 years since our discovery,"; write the Bentleys, "petroglyphs have become an important identity for the island...
"Since protective legislation is only as strong as the will of the people, we feel confident that the people of Gabriola Island will continue to protect this priceless native legacy."; 1-55039-085-6
[BCBW WINTER 1998]
