Petroglyph and Sacred Datura - Petroglyph National Monument

by Mary Lee Dereske

Title

Petroglyph and Sacred Datura - Petroglyph National Monument

Artist

Mary Lee Dereske

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

There are literally thousands of petroglyphs - ancient rock carvings - in the Albuquerque area (home to Petroglyph National Monument), dating from prehistoric times and the more recent past of the Spanish settlers. This petroglyph in volcanic rock drew my attention due to the population of datura (Datura wrightii) plants near it. Datura is known to be sacred to some of the Pueblo Indians, and is used in religious ceremony. I do not know the symbolism of this particular petroglyph, but due to its proximity to the datura, I assume it is of special sacred significance.

Uploaded

January 16th, 2015

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