A Petroglyph is a drawing that has been etched with a sharp instrument into rock. The best Petroglyphs were etched in the rocks where desert varnish is present. Desert varnish is where the rock has been stained a darker color by water running over the sandstone. By carving on the desert varnish they scratch the surface revealing the lighter sandstone beneath. This photograph shows petroglyph. The animals depicted are most likely Antelope. Notice the Desert Varnish. The Antelope on the right is running. Probably being chased by hunters.
A pictograph is much more fragile because it is actually a picture drawn on the stone using primitive paints and stains. This photograph shows a pictograph. Notice the hand prints. These are called positive hand prints because the paint was on the hand. Notice the hand print on the left below the Kokopelli. This is a negative hand print because the paint was applied around the hand. It is not completely known why hand prints are so prevalent, but Archaeologists believe they are a symbol that represent the owner of the print, similar to a signature. Back to the Kokopelli. A Kokopelli is a symbol for harmony. It is a person playing a flute. This guy was in a full state of harmony. He is on his back. Notice just above and to the right of Kokopelli. This symbol may be a frog because of the three toes, but it could also be an image of a warrior with arms in the air meaning, "stay away". Arms down would mean welcome.
In this photograph there are many figures. Positive and negative hand prints, full moon, small animals etc. Those of you in Mrs. Hanson's class, how many can you identify? A good web site to explore for answers is http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/dictionary-of-symbols.htm
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