Art on the Rocks

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For many visitors to the American Southwest, one of the most exciting moments occurs when one comes face to face with a panel or rock art; executed by a people we know little of, for reasons we do not fully comprehend. Are these figures and patterns messages to be read? Are they supplications to the gods, clan symbols or prehistoric graffiti? Rock art is generally defined as being one of two petroglyphs, designs pecked into a rock surface using a harder stone; and pictographs, literally, rock painting. Pictographs were executed with paints derived either from mineral or vegetal sources. These paints were either daubed on using the fingers, painted on using brushes made of yucca fibers or blown through a hollow reed over some mold, handprints are very common in this style. Significant research has resulted in the identification of numerous regional styles, common design motifs and even relative ages for certain panels. Yet, for all we know of this subject, the most compelling questions remain Why was this work created, who was meant to see it, and for what purpose? While answers to these questions may ultimately be found, for many visitors/observers it is the mystery of the unknown that is perhaps most appealing.