“Three Little Birds”

Many petroglyph sites are difficult to interpret, they are often spiritual in nature and filled with images of supernatural deities. Some rock art sites seem to record a specific event in ancient history, but those are rare. This place is alive with images and symbols of everyday life, from etchings depicting a hunting party to a trio of maidens.

A pair of powerful bears appear here as well as many other animal spirit helpers. All of these meticulously created images are signs of life spanning thousands of years. They are the  stories of the tribes, people, and of individuals that have lived out their lives in this place. These sacred etchings tell the stories of the hunters and gatherers.

This of bears have been carefully chipped into the stone with hears lines and symbols  reverently carved within their bodies. This was done to honor the bear and evoke it’s power. The bear is one of the most revered animals in North America and it’s image is a symbol of great strength, fierceness and courage. This animal not only had a powerful hunting magic, the bear was also considered to have healing powers and it’s magic was used to cure illnesses and injuries.

While hunters and protectors appear here, with the powerful bear and magnificent buffalo as their spirit helpers. This place is also filed with images of rainfall, crops -and the spiral which symbolizes the journey to this place of abundance.

Among all these ancient prayers a trio of maidens dominate and bring the magic to this place. With their highly decorated robes and one with an earthen jar balanced upon her head, they are the ever important gatherers.

Harmony between the hunters and gatherers was needed to survive the often harsh environment of the Southwestern desert. The images and symbols still here after thousands of years are a testament to the bond between the hunters and gatherers. One could not survive without the other.