The Quileute Tribe of Washington celebrated the recovery of a historic rock carving that shares an important legend.

The rock -- which is about 2 feet in diameter and could weigh up to 1,000 pounds -- was located near the Calawah River. It depicts the slaying of the Red Lizard by K'wati, an important figure who turned the Quileutes from wolves to people.

Features on the rock carving. Photo from Washington Department of Natural Resources / Forks Forum / Facebook

“This is probably the most important history right here — if not the most important in the modern day,” Chairman Charles Woodruff said at a short ceremony yesterday, The Peninsula Daily News reported.

The rock is believed to have been carved by stone. It hasn't been officially dated but a state archaeologist said it probably was created more than 200 years ago.

“It’s a phenomenal work of art,” Lee Stilson told The Seattle Times.

Get the Story:
'A phenomenal piece of art' — Quileute tribe celebrates discovery of historic rock carving (The Peninsula Daily News 12/11)
Quileute Tribe celebrates discovery of historic rock carving (The Seattle Times 12/11)