Taylor Ranch in Albuquerque in Bernalillo County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Reasons for Petroglyphs - Cliff Base Trail

Boca Negra Canyon

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 26, 2021

1. Reasons for Petroglyphs - Cliff Base Trail Marker

Inscription.

Boca Negra Canyon
Cliff Base Trail
There are many complex and dynamic reasons why the Ancestral Puebloans made their petroglyphs here. Some possible reasons are based on cultural and spiritual beliefs. Some Native Americans believe volcanic landscapes, such as this volcanic escarpment, are sacred places. Other reasons are secular such as marking trade routes, recording a specific event, or simply communicating to others by using imagery. The Ancestral Puebloans did not use a written language with developed letters so it is likely that some of these petroglyphs were used as symbols of communication.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans.

Location. 35° 9.724′ N, 106° 43.127′ W. Marker is in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Bernalillo County. It is in Taylor Ranch. Marker is on Cliff Base Trail east of Atrisco Drive NW. The marker is along the Cliff Base Trail at Boca Negra Canyon. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Albuquerque NM 87120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Petroglyph Orientation - Cliff Base Trail (a few steps from this marker); Formation of Boca Negra Canyon - Cliff Base Trail (a few steps from this marker); Estimating Petroglyph Age - Cliff Base Trail

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(a few steps from this marker); Formation of Basalt - Cliff Base Trail (a few steps from this marker); Petroglyph Meanings - Cliff Base Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Petroglyph Placement - Cliff Base Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Desert Varnish - Cliff Base Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Rio Grande Style - Cliff Base Trail (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albuquerque.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 26, 2021

2. Reasons for Petroglyphs - Cliff Base Trail Marker

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, August 26, 2021

3. Reasons for Petroglyphs - Cliff Base Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.