The Sky Coyote Formation at the Chumash Painted Cave at 'Alaxulux'en

For years, a question lingered: Why was 'Alaxulux'en, the site of the Chumash Indian Painted Cave nestled in the Santa Ynez mountains of Santa Barbara, California, chosen by the Chumash as their canvas? On December 23, 2023, author H A Bustos made an incredible discovery at this archaeological site offering a potential answer, one that extends beyond our previous understanding.

For over a century, everyone's focus has been drawn to the images painted inside the cave itself; however, the true mystery lies outside—on a towering 40-foot rock formation - an unmistakable profile of the legendary Sky Coyote - and the bear-shaped cave entrance that tell a story in their own right.

With details too precise to be the work of natural forces alone—such as perked ears, a sniffing nose, and a distinct eye—the Sky Coyote rock formation has remained unnoticed for centuries, hiding in plain sight. Remarkably, before this discovery, no one had ever reported seeing it. It wasn’t mentioned in any blog, magazine, or social media post. Even scientific research groups like CyArk, which spent thousands of dollars studying the cave's interior, overlooked this significant exterior formation.

What makes this discovery even more fascinating is the entrance to the Painted Cave itself, shaped like a bear—more specifically, a representation of Ursa Major, the bear constellation associated with the North Star and known to the Chumash as the "Sky Coyote." The silhouette of the bear seems to "point" directly to the coyote formation, hinting at a deliberate connection between the two.

This alignment of formations suggests a deeper cultural and astronomical significance that has been overlooked. The discovery provides a valuable learning opportunity to explore the intersection of myth, astronomy, and geology, expanding our understanding of the Chumash people's world. Even without written records or extensive archaeological evidence, the formations themselves offer clues to the Chumash's connection with the stars and the land.

My historical fiction book, "Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" (currently available on Amazon) is the origin story that precedes my non-fiction book "Beyond 'Alaxulux'en: Starry Secrets, Sacred Connections" which will explore in detail this groundbreaking find, its archaeological, anthropological, and astronomical implications.

"Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" is a story of a young Chumash brave named Chnawaway and the mysterious Painted Cave of 'Alaxulux'en. Woven from threads of indigenous history, myth, and tradition, the tale of “Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote” creates a captivating story that celebrates the mystery and rich cultural heritage of Native Americans and the Chumash people.

I encourage you to learn more on my publisher's website (SecondRidgePublishing.com). A portion of the proceeds of each sale goes to help the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.

Thank you for your support!

H A Bustos

Exploring the Majestic Venus of Willendorf: A Paleolithic Masterpiece

The Venus of Willendorf, considered the most illustrious among the Paleolithic Venuses, is a statuette carved from oolitic limestone and adorned with red ochre paintings, standing at a height of 11 cm. Dated between 24,000 and 22,000 B.C., this iconic work of art is not native to the region where it was discovered but now reigns supreme in the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna.

Chronicle of an Extraordinary Discovery

In 1908, archaeologist Josef Szombathy discovered the Venus of Willendorf at an archaeological site near Willendorf in der Wachau, along the left bank of the Danube in Austria. The Paleolithic site underwent careful examination around 1990, allowing a reevaluation of previous estimates regarding the artwork's dating. Stratigraphic analysis indicated that the statuette was created between 25,000 and 26,000 years ago, a significant correction from earlier estimates that erroneously placed it between 10,000 B.C. and 32,000 B.C.

Sculptural Anatomy: Details and Vibrant Colors

The Venus of Willendorf, representing a nude female figure, rests her arms on her breasts. The most distinctive features are the rounded and ample forms, while facial features are deliberately left uncarved. The spherical head is covered with a hairstyle interpreted as a headdress of shells or a coiffure, perhaps reminiscent of the curly and frizzy hair typical of the African population.

The reddish clay surface, combined with the yellowish and porous limestone, creates a play of light and shadow that highlights the roughness of the surface. The underlying shadow emphasizes the abundant shapes of the figure, creating a suggestive chiaroscuro effect.

Symbolic Meaning: Fertility and Mother Earth Worship

The Venus of Willendorf, the precursor of prehistoric Venuses, is steeped in symbolism. These statuettes, usually ranging from 3 to 15 cm, often feature elongated legs and heads, perhaps suggesting the practice of embedding them in fields or among cave rocks, according to the customs of the time.

Accentuated sexual traits, such as monumental breasts, a prominent belly, and ample buttocks, are interpreted as symbols of fertility. The Venus of Willendorf, with its pronounced forms and attention to detail in sculpture, connects to the worship of Mother Earth and her ability to foster prosperity.