Dave Gibson, Wyoming. Long before Sumerians invented written language in 3,500 BC, rock art communicated man’s ideas through symbols. The earliest example of prehistoric rock art was discovered in 1951 in Cáceres, Spain’s Cave of Maltravieso. Its artwork was created by the hands of Neanderthals 65,000 years ago. America’s recorded history is more recent with the oldest examples of rock art being approximately 10,000 years old.

There are many rock art sites scattered throughout the west and across the globe. Legend Rock Petroglyph Site near Thermopolis, Wyoming, is rich in petroglyphs unique to the Bighorn and Wind River Basins. Formed by pecking the surface of a rock with another rock, the Dinwoody Tradition petroglyphs sit on and just below a 1,300-foot long sandstone cliff a short walk from the visitor center. The extensive ninety-two panel array and 300 individual petroglyphs contrast against the rock face’s ancient dark patina. Some of the art at Legend Rock is attributed to Paleo-Indian hunter-gatherers and thought to be one hundred centuries old. Depictions of bison, elk, bighorn sheep, jackrabbit, and humans may be viewed along with zoomorphs (animal-like figures) and anthropomorphs (human-like figures).

The intent of the rock art is subject to debate. Many believe the works were created by shamans and associated with spiritual or religious practices. They may document ceremonies or record events. In short, the exact meanings of the petroglyphs have been lost to time and are conjecture. Arriving at your own interpretations is half the fun.

The Legend Rock Petroglyph Site is sacred ground to Shoshone, Crow, and Arapaho peoples. Visitors are forbidden from touching the rock art as oils from the skin can damage the petroglyphs. For more information go to www.Thermopolis.com. 

To view past articles and pictures go to www.DaveGibsonImages.com. 

(Originally published in the April 23, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)