Petroglyphs are carved or scratched on rocks and cliffs. Often this is done by pecking through the dark desert varnish that sometimes coats many desert walls and boulders. Pictographs are painted on rocks, cliffs and in caves. The "paint" is composed of natural mineral pigments such as hematite and a binder such as plant oil. Some of the images are hundreds of years old and some thousands. These images are a priceless part of the history of the earth and need to be protected and valued. Geri and I are also involved in archeological work to record, protect and conserve these images.
Some Links to Rock Art Related Sites

American Rock Art Research Association

The American Rock Art Research Association (ARARA) evolved out of the Rock Art Symposium held in 1974 in Farmington, New Mexico. The founding members dedicated the organization to the support of rock art research, conservation, and education. ARARA is the oldest rock art association in the world.

The Rock Art Foundation

The Rock Art Foundation (RAF) is a Texas non-profit organization established in 1991, with 501(c)(3) status since 1992. The Foundation exists to promote the conservation and study of the Native American rock art in the Lower Pecos region of Southwest Texas.

The Archaeological Society of New Mexico has been promoting the recording of rock art by trained volunteers since the 1960's. It recently reorganized the administration of the program from a limited committee structure to a more broadly based council structure. The New Mexico Rock Art Council is open to individuals and organizations engaged in the study and recording of rock art within New Mexico and the adjacent regions.

  Rock Art Net

A world wide hyper textual encyclopedia showing Rock Art sites, texts, pictures, to diffuse knowledge in Rupestrian Archaeology, to make a world-wide comparison between engraved rocks and recording methods.

  Eastern States Rock Art Association

A non-profit organization in the eastern United States for research, education, and conservation of cultural resources

Common Etiquette for Visiting a Petroglyph Site: Petroglyphs are fragile, non-renewable cultural resources that, once damaged, can never be replaced. This site gives guidance in preserving this rich cultural landscape. This site is provided by the National Park Service, Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico

To lead in the preservation and understanding of the value of rock art. To encourage the appreciation and enjoyment of rock art sites. To assist in the study, presentation, and publication of rock art research.

 

Western Rock Art Research

Founded in 2006, Western Rock Art Research (WRAR) is a small non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation, documentation, and research of Indigenous and early historic rock art in the American west and throughout the world.

NEVADA ROCK ART FOUNDATION:

The Nevada Rock Art Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that actively promotes the protection and public awareness of rock art in Nevada and surrounding areas. The mission of the Foundation is to identify, document, preserve, and protect rock art. These sites contain images of great beauty and artistic merit and are often located in spectacular landscapes. The original cultural significance of this ancient art made by Nevada's prehistoric and historic peoples is poorly understood, though most theories concur that this art reflects the rituals, beliefs and practices of its makers.
Rock Art Studies: A Bibliographic Database is a compilation in progress which was begun in March, 1993. Currently the database contains over 14,400 citations to the world's rock art literature, with an emphasis on English language and North American citations. Over 6100 of these citations are held in the compiler's personal library. These and many others were reviewed for annotation. With the "r11" release, the database became available on CDRom disk, and also on the Internet, as a project of the Bay Area Rock Art Research Association Archive, Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley
Southern Nevada Rock Art Research Association

Southern Nevada Rock Art Association, SNRAA, (pronounced “sun-ray”) is a group of dedicated people who have a common interest in rock art. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the REI store in Summerlin area, 710 S Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas (in the Boca Park shopping center near the intersections of Rampart and Alta Drives). Their meetings are open to the public and are free of charge and feature well-known, exciting speakers talking about rock art  and archaeology.

Piedra Pintada Books (Spanish for Painted Rock)
A mail-order book business specializing in books and publications on the subject of Rock Art.

AURANET - Australian Rock Art Research Association, Inc. was founded in October 1983 and within five years became the world's largest rock art organization. AURA's membership of rock art scholars is dedicated to the study and preservation of rock art in Australia and the world, and to the promotion of indigenous custodianship of traditional indigenous cultural heritage. AURA also promotes general awareness and appreciation of this heritage, in Australia and elsewhere, and high research standards in the field of palaeoart studies.
 

The gem and jewelry world's foremost information resource on the Internet. Open to the public, Free of charge -- a substantial library of articles, publications, reports, and technical data on gem and jewelry related topics; as well as a sizable collection of art and jewelry galleries, for both the casual visitor and the professional.

The Colorado Rock Art Association (CRAA) is a chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Association. Their mission is to enjoy, preserve and educate the public about the archaeological heritage of rock art.

EPAS is a 501(c) 3 organization of approximately 200 avocational and professional archaeologists.

SHUMLA School educational programs foster an experience of discovery in which there is no segregation between research and the communication of results, between teaching and learning. Through interactive education that bridges the arts and sciences, the SHUMLA School offers the best possible opportunity to include students, artists, teachers, researchers, and the general public in the process of piecing together an understanding of past and contemporary culture.
Diane Orr captures rock art with her 360 degree vision scapes. Using a 360-degree Hulcherama camera she seeks to capture the powerful relationships between rock art, light and landscape.
Glass Horse Ranch and Whim Wham Beads by Patti Leota Genack

Patti makes beautiful beads using petroglyphs as inspiration as well as a wonderful array of beads based on cowboy themes. They are wonderful and are unique and wonderful to touch and wear.

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Schrab Gallery
Marglyph Gallery