Manittoo Asseinah Traditional Geocache
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This site apears to be busier than first expected. First cache came up missing so we moved it a bit. Park well off to the side of the road and watch for visitors. The traffic seems to fly by, too.
PLEASE LOG ANY/ALL DNF's.
Another Fine cache dedicated to pointing out little recognized Native American sites in our back yards in hopes of raising awareness, appreciation and respect to these sites and the cultures that inhabited these areas since ancient times.
There is also a history other than the one below that is in the cache that describes this and other sacrifice rocks and their importance. Please read and leave in cache. Thanks and hope you enjoy!
Be Well,
Everyone knows Plymouth Rock, but how many have visited Plymouth's other historic rock? Sacrifice Rock on Old Sandwich Road is the Antiquarian Society's oldest and perhaps least known historic site. Centuries before the arrival of English settlers to the area, this ancient landmark was an important stop for wayfarers. Travelers left small branches or stones atop the rock perhaps as a gesture of sacrifice, or to receive the blessing of safe passage -- the full meaning of the custom is shrouded by time.
Generations of Pokanoket and other native people en route between Plymouth and points south and west placed their offerings on Sacrifice Rock and over time created a great stick formation. Plymoutheans in the 19th century were familiar with the ancient accumulation, although it was later destroyed by fire. Local historian William T. Davis discussed Sacrifice Rock and other examples of this type of ritual site in Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth: These rocks, still covered with small branches, etc., remain as monuments of aboriginal religious rites. Like the Manittoo Asseinah or Spirit Rocks of the Western Indians, they have always received homage of branches from the natives, who passed them reverently as the abodes of the Great Spirit, as they went on in silence.
In 1928, Sacrifice Rock was gifted to the Antiquarian Society by Albert A. Raymond. In 1940, cement posts were erected to mark the site. A commemorative stone marker was added about 1960; this was replaced by a metal plaque in 1991.
Few of today's travelers stop at Sacrifice Rock, which is located right on the edge of the road with no convenient parking at hand. A plan proposed by The Pinehills, an extensive residential development that abuts the site, may allow improved access to Sacrifice Rock while honoring its historic character. The plan includes an extended buffer area with a walking trail and a pocket park for Sacrifice Rock. If implemented, the improvements may put Plymouth's other Rock back on the map, and help to highlight an ancient part of the region's diverse history.
Thanks To Metacomet, Teweeleema & Tisquantum for sharing the history on the site.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgnaq gb gur yrsg bs gur Ebpx.
Gnxr 19 pnershy cnprf vagb gur jbbqf.