VIking Ribstones

On top of a hill near Viking, at the highest point for miles around, stand the only Ribstones in Alberta. Ribstones, also known as Boulder Petroglyphs, are two large stones carved in the shape of an animal’s rib cage. The quartzite monument has remained here for thousands of years, defined with grooves and circular pits. The grooves likely represent the ribcage, and the circular pits may represent holes from arrows or bullets. Historically, the people of the plains were dependent on bison. These ancient monuments pay homage to Old Man Buffalo, the spiritual protector of the herd. The local Indigenous society revered Old Man Buffalo and visited the shrines to express prayers and gratitude. The Ribstones, now designated a provincial historical resource, are still a sacred and revered symbol to Indigenous Peoples. You can visit the rare Ribstones 18 km (11 mi) east of the town of Viking.