Roseville in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Maidu Interpretive Center

Petroglyph Area Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2009

1. Petroglyph Area Marker

Inscription. Petroglyph Area “Petro” means rock, “Glyph” means writing. Archeologists speculate that pre-historic cultures used petroglyphs to depict aspects of ceremonial significance. These petroglyphs, which are carved in metamorphosed sandstone rock, are estimated to date back to pre-Maidu occupation from 5,000 – 10,000 years ago. In 1972, these petroglyphs and interpretive site were placed on the National Register of Historic Sites at the Smithsonian Institute.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.

Location. 38° 44.28′ N, 121° 14.76′ W. Marker is in Roseville, California, in Placer County. Marker can be reached from Johnson Ranch Drive. Marker is located on the trail, a short walk from the Museum building. Coordinates are of the entrance to the museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1960 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville CA 95661, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Roseville Korean War Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Roseville - Placer County Vietnam Memorial (approx. 2 miles away); Benito Juarez (approx. 2.1 miles away); Roseville V.F.W. Post 1661 Veterans Memorial

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(approx. 2.1 miles away); Roseville Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.1 miles away); Reuben F. Nelson Footbridge (approx. 2.1 miles away); Railroad Hobbies Building (approx. 2.1 miles away); Garbolino Building (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roseville.

Regarding Maidu Interpretive Center. The Maidu Interpretive Center consists of a museum with several permanent and rotating exhibits, and a mile long interpretive trail. Indoor flash photos are not allowed. Along the trail are grinding rocks and petroglyphs. There are interpretive signs detailing the life of the Maidu culture explaining the use of plants, trees, natural marshes, wildlife, etc.

Also see . . . The Maidu. A very informative history of the Maidu people of Northern California. (Submitted on October 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2009

2. Petroglyph Area Marker

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2009

3. Petroglyphs

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2009

4. Petroglyphs

Grinding Rocks/Bedrock Mortars image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2009

5. Grinding Rocks/Bedrock Mortars

Maidu Indians used grinding rocks as food preparation utensils. Archeologists use the term, “bedrock mortars” to describe these unique tools, which were found standing alone or found among rocks. Indian women used the grinding rock, along with a linear rock called a “pestle”, to grind grass seeds, acorns and other foods during the food preparation process, which included gathering, storing, teaching and cooking. Other utensils such as baskets, stones, brushes and stirring sticks were also used in cooking. Food preparation, as with most aspects [...] was considered a sacred job.

Grinding Rocks and Bedrock Mortars image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2009

6. Grinding Rocks and Bedrock Mortars

A seasonal marsh can be seen in the background. These were also an important part of the Maidu culture.

Grinding Rocks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 16, 2009

7. Grinding Rocks

These grinding rocks are located at the base of a "ceremonial rock" seen earlier on the trail.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,328 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.