J.CAC VOLUME 30 (2005)
Réminiscences du temps des bisons : la restauration des pétroglyphes de Bromptonville
In the fall of 1963, two amateur archaeologists discovered an assemblage of petroglyphs on slate in the Saint-François river bed, in Estrie (Eastern Townships), Quebec. These glyphs consist largely of various inscriptions, some anthropomorphic-zoomorphic motifs as well as abstract symbols incised into a rocky outcrop. Their provenance may be culturally mixed (Native and other), and they likely date from between 1740 and 1815, although this remains an estimate. A year after their discovery, the archaeologist who had taken an interest in the site, concerned that the petroglyphs were at risk, decided to have them removed. This article highlights the history of these petroglyphs from their discovery and travels, through their long years of obscurity in storage after removal from the site, to their rediscovery. It was decided, when the petroglyphs were once again uncovered in 1995, to undertake the restoration of two segments for display at the Sherbrooke Musée de la nature et des sciences. In 2002, these petroglyphs were put on display, an example of the only petroglyphs found in the Eastern Townships. The treatment consisted of: cleaning; stone consolidation; and loss compensation where this was necessary to reinforce the structure. Display mounts were constructed that conform to the shape of the underside of the stones and that provide stability and security during display.
Download: JCAC30 Bergeron & Gagnon