Near Lapwai in Nez Perce County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Ant & Yellowjacket

támsoy ka・?alatálo

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

1. Ant & Yellowjacket Marker

Inscription. The basalt arch on the hillside across the road depicts támsoy ka・?alatálo, insects Ant and Yellowjacket, locked in combat. Many features in this river valley relate to nimi・pu・ (Nez Perce) traditional stories. Here the Ant and Yellowjacket arch marks a Nez Perce fishing site and provides moral guidance: it is not wise to fight over the use of resources.
To see the scenery from a Nez Perce perspective, view the features of the terrain as elements in a narrative - the oral tradition of a culture that has lived in this place for thousands of years. The land is part of their language; it is their story.

The Story of Ant and Yellowjacket
Coyote has unusual powers and appears in many Nez Perce legends. Here he tried to settle an argument between Ant and Yellowjackt, who were fighting over salmon. They paided no attention to Coyote, so he turned them into stone just as they arched their backs and locked jaws.

Erected by Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities

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• Natural Features.

Location. 46° 26.74′ N, 116° 50.624′ W. Marker is near Lapwai, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. It is on U.S. 12 at milepost 11 near U.S. 95, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewiston ID 83501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Idaho — Idaho’s Panhandle

and in the Palouse.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

specifically in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Ant & Yellowjacket (here, next to this marker); Bredell Family Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); Nez Perce Village Site (approx. one mile away); Indian Agent's Residence (approx. 1.2 miles away); Coming of the Railroad (approx. 1.2 miles away); Watson's Store (approx. 1.3 miles away); Spalding’s Presbyterian Church (approx. 1.3 miles away);

Ant & Yellowjacket and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

2. Ant & Yellowjacket and Marker

Spalding's Mission (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lapwai.

More about this marker. This marker is located at a turnout just east of the U.S. Highways 12 and 95 interchange.

Ant & Yellowjacket image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

3. Ant & Yellowjacket

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 604 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.