Prehistoric Rock Art

Prehistoric Rock Art. . The rock art found within Saguaro National Park was created by the prehistoric Hohokam people. They may have pecked these petroglyphs more than a thousand years ago while on hunting and gathering expeditions. As we discover more about these petroglyphs we develop a better understanding of the Hohokam culture., Rock art is found throughout the American Southwest, wherever prehistoric peoples lived or journeyed. At Saguaro National Park many expressions of rock art, known as petroglyphs, were pecked into stones., We do not know what these petroglyphs mean. They could have religious or ceremonial significance. They may be solstice markers, clan symbols, decorative motifs, or simply ancient graffiti., Petroglyphs at Signal Hill conform to the distinctive Hohokam style. In Tucson, abstract designs outnumber life forms at most sites. Human stick figures, game animals, dogs, lizards, snakes, and geometric shapes are frequently portrayed. Spirals and designs with circles are quite common and often are part of elaborate meander or net designs. Simple Hohokam stick figures contrast with filled-in bodies typical of Anasazi petroglyphs. Some of the rock art designs made here appear on Hohokam pottery., Environmental conditions and visitors take their toll on the rock art. Saguaro National Park has an active programs to monitor the condition of this and other cultural resource sites. Help preserve these irreplaceable works of art by staying on the trail. Do not climb on the rocks.