Petroglyph National Monument preserves one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. The Monument was established in 1990 to protect and interpret petroglyphs and archeological sites on Albuquerque's West Mesa. Surveys suggest the presence of at least 20,000 petroglyphs along the volcanic escarpment.

The petroglyphs along the escarpment were created from about 1000 B.C. until recent times. The majority of these were done in what is called the "Rio Grande style" from 1300-1680 A.D. by the Pueblo Indians. Common images include human figures, masks and masked figures, and animals. Hands, feet, animal tracks, spirals, four-pointed stars, and geometric designs are also common.

These petroglyphs were created not by painting but by chipping away at the volcanic rock. An outer "desert varnish" has been created by years of exposure to the elements, resulting in a red outer layer of oxidized metals such as manganese and iron within the basalt. The desert varnish, or patina, is extremenly thin and chipping or pecking exposes the lighter color of the rock's interior.

Perhaps one of the most famous Petroglyphs is the Macaw. Parrots such as the Macaw are not native to the Southwest U.S. Their natural habitat is in Mexico. This suggests the development of trade, as parrots and their feathers were important trade items and are shown prominently in kiva mural paintings made during the same time period.

Shown here are four separate petroglyphs of masks and figures. Note the difference in figures and head ornaments; the four-pointed star has a mask, a feathered headdress, and bird talons. Also note that the star is superimposed over part of a human figure, located faintly to the right.

Elaborate petroglyph, containing a square that encloses a step-shaped cloud at bottom), a four-pointed star with zigzag line (at top), and other designs. Notice the numerous desings on several sides of this boulder, including handprints, animal figures, and a mask placed on the corner of the rock to "see both ways".

The petroglyph on the boulder to the left possibly depicts a yucca seed pod. The root of the yucca was used for making soap, and the flowers, fruits, and seeds were roasted in pits for food. The points of the leaves were used as needles, and the leaves served as a source of fiber for basket-weaving.

Panoramic view of Albuquerque from Petroglyphs National Monument. Notice "cat" petroglyph on the boulder at the left. The purpose of including this photo was two-fold. First, to show an image of this scenic city and beautiful surroundings. Second, is to show the effect of urban sprawl, which is all too common in the U.S. Notice the new housing development encroaching on the National Monument (photo taken in January 2001). Environmental groups fought hard to limit how close development could approach the National Monument, but it looks like they weren't too successful, unfortunatley. Time will tell what impact the proximity of these homes and associated motor traffic will have on the Monument, but I would bet that it certainly WON'T HELP the preservation of these magnificent, ancient petroglyphs.