Orangeman, I don't think that is Native American bent because if the "way" it is growing back into the ground. Some trail trees do grow back into the ground, but in a different manner (in my experience). The knob on the back, however, makes it look like a warning tree.
So, what things would have been in the direction of the knob on the hip of the tree 200 years ago? Perhaps a fort or white settlement? Quicksand? Pit?
If this was in an area where there were none of the above, you probably have a treasure tree.
I actually had a tape of an old Blackfoot Indian describing creating a warning tree. After cleaning it up as best I could, I shared it with the Mountain Stewards but most of their links are missing or messed up now. Don's apparently too busy trying to sell his book on the trees.
You can still listen to it though by going
HERE on my server. You'll have to download it, but it's an MP3 and less than 2 megs.
The Indian's name was "Hannibal Pete" and he was speaking with Laura Hubler. She actually dealt with the National Forrest Service in protecting some of the trees on National Forest Service land throughout the Southeastern U.S. back in the late 1960's - early 1980's.
