Thursday, March 3, 2011

Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument is famous for the petroglyphs that can be seen for seventeen miles along the West Mesa escarpment in Albuquerque.


Petroglyphs are images that are carved on rocks. The images are created by constant pecking or carving on the rock. The national monument is located on 11 square miles that are divided into three distinct units. The units are called the Rinconada Canyon, Boca Negra, and the Piedras Marcadas unit. The Boca Negra unit is equipped with numerous self-guided trails that visitors can use to explore the area on their own.


The petroglyphs that are found in the monument are believed to have been created by historic Native Americans and Hispanics. The site holds valuable historic insights that reveal a 12,000 year old story of what human life was like in ancient times. Researchers estimate that many of the petroglyphs were created between the 12th and 15th century.


The park is named after the petroglyphs that were discovered by explorers and is one of New Mexico's greatest historical monuments. Many archeologists and historians frequent the site because Petroglyph National Monument is home to the most impressive collection of Hispanic and Indian art in the world.


Many of the petroglyphs are complex and contemporarily used by today's Pueblo Indians. An estimated 25,000 petroglyphs can be seen throughout the monument.

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