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Image 7
Petroglyphs and Pictographs: Wyoming's Original
Artwork
Number Seven: “Water Ghost Woman” –
Hot Springs County
 This
figure is located 6 miles from the original Water Ghost Woman
petroglyph. The similarity between this petroglyph and the first
recorded Water Ghost Woman is so striking that we know they are
part of a tradition in which the figure is recognized as part
of the supernatural world. Archaeologists believe it is another
“Pa waip”, with its bow and arrows. This example lacks
breasts but holds the rattle that is characteristic of other water
ghosts–although not found with the original Water Ghost
Woman (Image 4).
Turtles are also not found near this example but the striped
quadrupeds may represent badgers – animals recognized among
the Shoshone as important for controlling the powers of the underworld.
Individuals who received badger power would frequently wear their
claws as talismans.
Reproduction of a tracing completed by Linda Olson with Wendy
Hall and Laura Emerson. Research sponsored by the Bureau of Land
Management – Worland and Minot State University.
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