Near Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Chumash Painted Cave
Priceless Paintings Offer Intriguing Link to Our Past
| | Images still evoke wonder, though their meanings are lost. | |
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Chumash Painted Cave Marker
The walls inside the cave above you are covered with mysterious red, black, and white images. Who were the artists who created these paintings? Why did they choose this cave for their canvas? What do the intricate images mean?
We know the artists were Chumash--the people who have lived in this area for thousands of years. They were probably shamans or priests who came to this cave seeking power or spiritual strength as they tried to influence supernatural beings and forces to intervene in human affairs. They used charcoal, red ochre, and powdered shells for their paints, but the meaning of the images they created was lost with the destruction of their way of life.
These paintings are a tangible connection that ties us to our ancestors. Please help protect this irreplaceable part of the heritage we all share.
To learn more about Chumash rock paintings, visit El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park on Canon Perdido Street in downtown Santa Barbara.
For information in alternate formats or to report vandalism to this site, please call La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, (805) 733-3713.
(Above) These images are on the right side of the cave. The black circle may depict a solar eclipse that occurred in 1677 A.D.
(Right) These images are on the left side of the cave.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 34° 30.255′ N, 119° 47.262′ W. Marker is near Santa Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County. It is on Painted Cave Road 2 miles north of San Marcos Pass Road (California Route 154), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2340 Painted Cave Rd, Santa Barbara CA 93105, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cold Spring Arch Bridge (approx. 3.1 miles away); Old Stagecoach Route (approx. 3.1 miles away); Cold Spring Tavern (approx. 3.2 miles away); Cathedral Oaks Schoolhouse, 1877 (approx. 3.7 miles away); Egg McMuffin (approx. 4.8 miles away); Hope House (approx. 4.9 miles away); Sexton House (approx. 5 miles away); Ovington's Hangar (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Barbara.
More about this marker. Located on a steep, narrow road. The pullout at the site will only accommodate one or two vehicles. Trailers and RVs should not attempt the road.
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Chumash Painted Cave Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. Chumash Painted Cave
Paintings are viewed through a locked gate.
Photographed by Craig Baker
5. Chumash Painted Cave
Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 14, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
