Interpretive Sign - Barrier Canyon

Some of the most spectaculat example of rock art in the Southwest are attributed to Archaic people. Archaic people were nomads, hunting large and small game animals, collecting and processing wild plants. They did not build permanent habitation structures but lived in caves and in small brush shelters built in the open. They occupied this area from approximately 8,000 years ago until the introduction of corn agriculture about 2,000 years ago. This rock are, the Barrier Canyon Style, usually consists of larger than life size anthropomorphic (manlike) forms. the identifying characteristic of the figures is hollowed eyes or missing eyes, the frequent absence of arms and legs, and the presence of vertical body markings. This panel is characterized by at least 19 painted anthropomorphs with bug-eyes, antennae, earrings, snakes in hand, and leg-less torsos. The "ghost-like" images may represent shamanistic art associated with ritual activities of the Archaic people.