Petroglyphs
Click
here for more petroglyph images.
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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. |
|
Click here for
more petroglyph images.
Photos and text copyright by Susan Sherry 1999 - 2002.
This page was last updated on Monday, July 01, 2002.
|