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Petroglyphs
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Petroglyphs are images carved into the rock's surface. They are probably the most enduring form of prehistoric art.  Native Americans do not consider petroglyphs to be art.  To them, the images are documentation of spiritual events that occurred at various sites.

Petroglyphs are made by removing some of the rock's surface. The most common method is by "pecking".  Using this method, the image is created by holding a sharp, chisel-like tool against the rock's surface and hitting it with a hammer stone.  A pecked image will have a pitted surface.

Another method of making petroglyphs is by "abrading".   Using this method, the image is created by scratching designs into the rock with a sharp tool.  Abraded images are usually found on soft sandstone.

Petro - Pecked.jpg (76739 bytes)
Petro-Carved Bird.jpg (22748 bytes)



Petro - Archaic.jpg (66966 bytes)

The Archaic Style (8500 - 1500 BC) of petroglyphs is found all across the Southwest. The term "Archaic" is a generic name for all the Southwestern cultures that existed during this time period. The images from this era are mostly abstract designs found near sources of water and ancient campsites.  There are also some realistic representations, especially of desert and mountain animals.

The Anasazi style appears in the Four Corners area, where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. Images of humans engaged in a number of activities appear during this period.  Also, images of birds and animals appear - including sheep, deer, and lizards.

Although the Anasazi were primarily farmers, Images of game animals, tracks, and bows and arrows suggest the continued importance of hunting.

 

Petro - Una Vida.jpg (55833 bytes)
Petro - Shield.jpg (100282 bytes) Around AD 1300, the Anasazi abandoned the cliff dwellings and pueblos in the Four Corners area and migrated south.  Some went to live along the Rio Grande River in central New Mexico. Petroglyphs made in this region belong to a style called the Rio Grande style (AD 1300 - Present).  The petroglyphs of this era is characterized by ceremonial figures and prolific images of masks.  New images make their appearance, including horned serpents, stars, cloud terraces, and large decorative shields.
During prehistoric times, the Anasazi people maintained a vast trade network that reached as far west as the Pacific Ocean and as far south as Mexico and Central America. A cherished import were beautiful Macaws.  Their brilliant feathers were used for ceremonial purposes. Images of Macaws appear frequently in petroglyphs and wall murals. Petro-Macaw.jpg (75682 bytes)

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Photos and text copyright by Susan Sherry 1999 - 2002.
This page was last updated on Monday, July 01, 2002.