Ancient Pictographs, Grand Canyon, Arizona

This panel of ancient pictographs covers a large overhang under the north rim of the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon National Park. Reminiscent of the elaborate aboriginal rock art panels of Australia, this display contains figures and shapes not typically found in this part of the American southwest. They adorn a wall along a major canyon which provides easy access between the Colorado River in the depths of the Grand Canyon and the expansive high plateaus to the north. Major travel corridors such as this are prime locations for these panels as ancient peoples traveled back and forth between their summer and winter ranges. Much speculation has been offered as to the meanings of these figures. Perhaps they record important events or contain messages to the spirit world or perhaps they are simply random doodles by some prehistoric Da Vinci. Upon close inspection of this photograph, many layers of artwork cover this wall with newer artwork obliterating the older figures beneath.