Native American hunting scene petroglyphs, Escalante / Grand Staircase National Monument, Garfield County, Utah

This petroglyph panel is clearly intended to look Fremont, or take inspiration from Fremont art, but certain characteristics do not seem to match. The 'hour glass' figure is unusual without the upper torso being more elongated and each leg should descend from the edges of this feature, forming the waist. As it is carved in this example it appears more like a dress. Combined with the apparent lack of patina, I would suggest that we may be looking at a late prehistoric or possibly historic carving (mindful to the fact that a bow and arrow--rather than a gun--is being depicted).

This image was taken in the Escalante / Grand Staircase National Monument in Garfield County, Utah. Designated in 1996 by President Bill Clinton under the Antiquities Act, this National Monument preserves iconic desert landscapes, cultural resources, abundant paleontology, rare plants, and many other irreplaceable natural wonders.

Actions from the Trump administration exclude some of the natural and cultural resources included in this gallery from the protections of a National Monument. These eviscerated sacred places are at an increased risk of development.

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These photographs are provided for conservation purposes, education, and historical insight. I strongly discourage inexperienced individuals from visiting sacred places. These are not provided as a guide and no locations will be provided in any circumstance. Remember, these are fragile, deeply important, and irreplaceable spiritual and scientific resources. They are not appropriate for irreverent or casual activities. Poor visitation practices could result in the violation of applicable state and federal laws if damages were to occur. Furthermore, individuals could precipitate vandalism and looting to archaeological sites unwittingly (for example, by posting photographs online with contextual landscape features that can be identified by vandals/looters using satellite imagery). Please exercise caution when sharing locations, even to individuals whom you may trust. Remember that experience does not always equate to respectful behavior.

You can learn more about visiting with respect at https://www.baileyimages.com/Visiting-with-Respect

Everyone should review this information regardless of your experience with hiking and/or cultural resources.

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