There are two types of rock art created by ancient Native Americans. There are pictographs, which are images painted onto the rock, and petroglyphs, which are images etched or carved into the rock. Here in Southwest Utah, we have mostly "petroglyphs". Each and every one is unique in its own way, but it seems like a treat to see "pictographs".
This week in Great Basin National Park, we had the opportunity to go visit Upper Pictograph Cave near the Gray Cliffs Picnic Area. It was so cool, and made me wish I could have visited the area 700-1000 years ago when the Fremont Indians inhabited the area. It is believed that the Indians lived in these caves and there is proof from smoke stains on the ceilings of the caves. Here are some images of the pictos...
These images are in the sun part of the day, and after more than a few centuries, its amazing they are still around.
There are many different types of images in this area. This is an Anthropomorph (resembling human form) with other "abstracts" around it.
This is the most significant set of images in the area. The paint is in such great shape and in perfect view of the camera. We might not ever know the stories of these paintings, but that doesn't spoil the fascination!
Another closeup of a faded Anthropomorph.
If you end up in the area, give Upper Pictograph Cave a visit. Its only a 30 minute side trip from the main drag and is well worth the trip!
Holy cow! The Indians knew about phineas and ferb. :)
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