Petroglyphs, Rodman Mountains

Rock Art

In general, "rock art" refers to prehistoric images placed on natural rock surfaces.  Pictographs are made with applied pigments, and petrogylphs are engraved.  They occur worldwide and dates extend back over 50,000 years.  Researchers believe most are related to magic, religion, or ritual.  They tell us something about how their makers interpreted their world, but we can only guess at their precise meaning or purpose.  Rock art is an integral part of many landscapes, enigmatic communication from those who were here long before us.  Be respectful, ask permission, express  gratitude.​