Portal of Transcendence: American Indian Interpretations of Arches and Bartlett Alcove in Southeastern Utah

Abstract

This thesis largely explores ways in which American Indian views of time and space are expressed, with a specific focus on the concept of a portal. Traditional worldviews held by many American Indian groups translate time and space as nonlinear and nonexclusive; multiple spatial and temporal dimensions can exist simultaneously. Here, a physical medium that facilitates movement among the multiple, intangible dimensions, i.e., portal, is needed in order for the dimensions to be visited and thus be perceived as real. In many American Indian worldviews, the power of portal is often concentrated in certain natural and cultural components such as arches, alcoves, caves, and peckings and paintings on rock surfaces. In discussing the concept of portals, this thesis suggests two distinct landscapes as case studies: arches within Arches National Park (Arches NP) and an alcove with prominent rock paintings near Canyonlands National Park (Canyonlands NP). Discussion of these two case studies and their significance as portals help us to understand American Indian ways of perceiving landscapes and American Indian worldviews concerning time, space, as well as spirits. Eventually, this thesis aims to situate the two case studies within the wider discourse of portals that connect multiple temporal and spatial, and mundane and spiritual dimensions.