Rock Art Reproduction

Petroglyphs are rock carvings (petro=rock, glyph=carving). Petroglyphs are the result of chipping, rubbing, drilling or scratching a rock surface (usually sandstone so common to the region), tools being hard stone such as agate, flint or jasper.  Hammer stones and chisels may have been used in cases, or merely a sharp stone. The majority of petroglyphs were carved in sandstone that had been discolored and darkened by desert varnish; thus the carving, being lighter than the varnish, was accented.

This petroglyph, the mountain lion (also called a cougar or puma), was found on the east side of Blue Mesa in 1934. It was removed with the help of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and is now on display in the Visitor Center located in the historic Painted Desert Inn off of 1-40 in Petrified Forest National Park.