I just returned from the Romance Writers of America conference, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During my first days there, I viewed the petroglyphs or rock carvings found in Boca Negra Canyon (Black Mouth Canyon). I found them fascinating—some looked like spacemen!—and would like to share some information about them with you.
Most of the petroglyphs were made by the ancestors of the modern Pueblo people. The petroglyphs are carved into basalt (lava) rocks. When the rock formed from volcanic fissures, it was light gray in color. As it aged, it developed a dark patina called desert varnish. The people would carve through this patina to the lighter gray rock below to make their patterns and symbols.
The ancestors of the Pueblo people lived in the Rio Grande Valley since 500 AD. A drought in 1300 AD caused many people to move closer to the river. Most of these petroglyphs are thought to be made between 1300 and 1700 in a style called the Rio Grande style. The early Pueblo people did not have a written language, so these symbols may have sacred meaning, mark trade routes, record an event or simply be a means of communication.
While the images are located in this area, the people did not live here, rather living in adobe buildings along the Rio Grande.
Many of the petroglyphs are on the sides of boulders facing south or southeast. One theory is that these were made in the winter when that side of the boulder was warmer and had less snow accumulation.
The images show patterns, animals and humans. Archeologists have found over 21,000 petroglyphs along 17 miles of escarpment. Some petroglyphs date from later ages, including some carved in the 1700s by early Spanish explorers.
Those are pretty cool.
I have seen the Anasazi Petroglyphs outside Vegas at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
I’d like to see those, Denise. I didn’t know about them.
I haven’t ever seen petroglyphs in person
They’re pretty cool. I liked trying to figure out what they might represent.
How fascinating! I’ve never seen the petroglyphs but they are on my bucket list. I hated missing the RWA conference and Tule retreat. Maybe next year. Hugs, Jeannie, and thanks for a look at this fascinating piece of history!
You’re so welcome, Nan. Hope to see you next year!
How interesting. I have never seen this part of history.
It’s pretty neat, Ann.
This is fascinating. I have never seen any that I remember. Thank you for sharing.
You’re very welcome, Barbara.
Good morning, I have seen petroglyphs in person and it is really something to see. It is all so very interesting. Have a great day and Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Alicia. I agree that they’re really something to see.
Very interesting
Thank you, Rhonda!
Growing up our family vacations took us to many out of the way places including numerous sites with petroglyphs throughout the Southwest. I have been fortunate to have seen petroglyphs around the world during my many travels abroad. What I’ve always found interesting is the “common” thread that links them to astrological events over the ages. Petroglyphs depicting what appear to be spacecraft and “alien” beings make one ponder what is really out there.
I agree, Carol. They really make you think. How wonderful that you have been able to see petroglyphs on so many different places!
Interesting!
Thank you, Karijean.
I remember driving from Las Vegas toward the Grand Canyon decades ago, on a two-lane road, and stumbling across petroglyphs in what might originally have been a cave along the side of the highway. Pulled over and took [square black & white] photos with my Kodak Brownie camera. Always fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
Great story, Elissa! That sounds so cool!
Those are interesting, and wow, to still be there after all this time, in all of the weather!!
It’s amazing how long they have lasted, Trudy.
I’m fascinated with how petroglyphs were written on basalt rocks. What did they use that it can still be seen so many years later? I’ve seen the writings on Register Cliff but that rock is fairly soft. Basalt is hard, at least here in the Columbia Basin, even in our pasture. Did they use a material that could be put on like paint? Did they carry it with them or find the substance near the rocks? Now I need to do some research 🙂
They chip through the dark oxidized layer that forms on the basalt over time to the lighter gray rock below. I think they used other rocks to chip with. Basalt is super hard, and I’ve never tried to chip the patina away, but I bet it’s a job.
We have been to several places with petroglyphs . It is fascinating to see the variety of images and how detailed some are. We did hike one trail over 10 years ago, but I can’t remember for sure where it was. I don’t think it was this one, looking at the pictures of the park on line. However, buildings, etc. could have been built since we were there. It was more of smooth walls of the petroglyphs rather than many rugged outcroppings. It would be interesting to see a book with the glyphs and an interpretation of what they think they mean.
Patricia, a book would be fascinating. I’d love to see petroglyphs on a smooth wall.