Petroglyphs (Rock Carvings)

Petroglyphs (Rock Carvings). . In addition to the bedrock mortars, over 363 petroglyph designs are carved into the surface of the marbleized outcropping of limestone. This association of rock art and grinding pits is unique in California. Except for one other small site, Chaw’se has the only known occurrence of mortars intentionally decorated with petroglyphs. , The designs were created by pecking through the darker weathered rock surface to expose the contrasting lighter-colored underlying stone. , The meaning and significance of these geometric forms including concentric circles, sun-disks, spoke wheels, wavy lines, dot elements, tracks of humans and animals remains a mystery to this day - 2,000 to 3,000 years after they were carved. , Some evidence suggests the petroglyphs were made ceremonially, and are not aimless “doodling”, to attain various results such as: good luck in hunting, human fertility, weather control, health, prosperity, and the like. There are many theories about these ancient symbols, but their significant meaning may carefully be hidden from the uninitiated. , , WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY MEAN? , The marble grinding rock is fragile and very susceptible to weathering and chipping. The natural elements are claiming many of the petroglyphs and they are now becoming difficult to see. , Please stay off the rock and do not throw objects, coins or rocks into the mortars. Treat this irreplaceable reminder of the old world with respect.