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Down in a canyon of the
San Juan River, in Southeastern Utah, is a sandstone cliff covered with thousands
of petroglyphs. The cliff is over 300 feet long. reaching some 60 feet in height, and
presents a lantern show into
the history of the peoples who have farmed and hunted the Four Corners Region.
Navajo, Ute, Hopi, Zuni, Ancestral Pueblos, and others have left
their mark in this sheltered spot for over 2000 years.
The canyon
floor would have provided an ideal camping area (and still does) with water
easily available from the San Juan River and abundant shade from the willows. Families,
clans and tribes may have gathered here at the end of the seasons to trade and celebrate
together. |
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:33:52 AM
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Game
A variety of game is
represented in the petroglyphs. The variety of styles and increasing sophistication of
the etchings indicate the age of the original drawings and their successors as generation
after generation stopped here to tell their tales and ensure their place in history.
At least 7 styles of petroglyphs are represented: Gt. Basin curvilinear, Basketmaker II,
Glen Canyon style, early Pueblo, late Pueblo, modern Ute, and modern Navajo. |
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:36:29 AM
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Mythological
Along with scenes of hunting
and ceremonies are petroglyphs I can only describe as mythological beings.
Whether these represented deities, enemies, bad dreams or visitors from outer
space, we'll probably never know. There are bad mushrooms out there, ya know... |
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:38:07 AM
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Migration
As hunter
gatherers, the people inhabiting this area must have developed a knowledge of the
migratory habits of different herds of game. Whether to pass that knowledge on or
to celebrate a bountiful hunting season, they left a number of well populated petroglyphs
representing herds with hunters amongst them. |
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:39:04 AM
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The Hunt
The mixture of styles and detail
might indicate that one scene has been augmented by later visitors to the canyon.
Looking at the opening shot, imagine the effort needed to climb half way to two thirds
of the way up the face of the 60 foot cliff and then carve your designs... |
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:40:20 AM
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The Hunt
In amongst
a number of scenes of different game, one hunter celebrates his prowess with bow and
arrow. His target may be a longhorned sheep, deer or antelope. Regardless, he, or his
clan, was impressed enough with his skill to leave this monument to his marksmanship. |
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:42:16 AM
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Party Time!
OK, I could well be wrong,
(Hey! It's been known to happen...) but this certainly looks like a post-game party to me.
Or, in this case, probably a post hunting party.
Or possibly the celebration of a
wedding. If you note the couple in the center that appear to be holding hands while
men in blocky cloaks surround them (Shamans?).
Either way, Kokopelli is
present to keep their toes a tappin' with his flute. |
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:42:28 AM
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Dancer?
The first time
I came across this figure, I thought it represented a slain enemy. After seeing the party
pictures (above), I'm not so sure.
Sheesh, and we think our kids' dances are
weird...
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:44:11 AM
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Mythological Beast?
Or ursine predator?
I hadn't thought about bears until I noticed the prominent claws on the feet. If bears did
roam this area at the time, I'm sure they would have been accorded the respect due them,
including this portrait. |
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Olympus C2100UZ
9/28/2004
11:39:35 AM
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