The Bitter Ridge range within the awesome Gold Butte area contains hundreds (thousands?) of potential shelter areas to explore. Many of them show signs of heavy use, with ceilings covered deep in soot (from fires). Some of the shelters also contain ancient rock art, either in the form of petroglyphs, or pictographs. I’ve barely begun to explore all the possible shelter areas, as there are just so many of them over a very vast area. But, I suspect there are some real hidden gems of little known and spectacular rock art.
Please click the images below (NOTE- there is a 2nd gallery with enhanced pictures, below this gallery):
Jon Harman, Ph D, developed a program called DStretch to help digitally enhance faded pictographs. The gallery below include enhanced pictures using DStretch:
Very cool i am a geologist but work mostly on constuction in the so. Cal area. In my wanderingsb i have yet to come across any rock art. So when i see a site like yours i am imprssed and envious. Keep up the good work! One question have you been able to interpret any? Some seem simple a celebration of a hunt. Others defy logic those interst me.
Hi Ralph,
Thanks for the comments and for checking out my blog! The interpretation question is always a tricky one, because the real answer is no one really knows. I’ve been reading & researching a lot about rock art and the consensus from archaeologists & anthropologists is that only the individual who made the rock art truly knew what it was supposed to mean. In some cases, native elders may have had stories passed on down from the generations, but they are typically leery to share (as these are sacred to them and their people). There are lots of theories…maps to sacred locations, water, hunting grounds, etc., or images received during vision quests, or signs specific to certain clans, or in some cases perhaps just doodles? It’s fun to try and think what story some of these petroglyphs & pictographs are trying to convey, and I find the history fascinating.
THANKS!
Paul
On my way to a more noted site downcanyon Idecided to walk the base of the sandstone instead of the wash for a look. I was delighted to completely stumble onto these. Now visiting this set in your portfolio, I recognize the elements. Such a rich area.
I enjoy your site and look forward to your next exploration.