Rock Imagery Basics

What is Rock Imagery?

Rock imagery is pecking, carving, and painting on rock faces. It is often known as “rock art,” but archaeologists today use the term “rock imagery” because we don’t know that it served the same purpose in the cultures that created it as “art” does in our culture. Archaeologists today also do not attempt to explain what rock imagery means. Contemporary Native Americans who can trace their ancestry back to the places where rock imagery is located have traditional knowledge about the meaning of figures that are present. For those of us without the traditional knowledge to decode the meaning, it’s enough to be able to appreciate the creativity and beauty of these images. For further information on how to visit a rock imagery site like an archaeologist, see this website from Visit Utah.

Rock Imagery Terms

  • Rock imagery panel

    Panel

    A single, relatively flat area of rock that contains rock imagery. A panel may contain several figures, and a cliff face may contain several panels.

  • human figure etched into rock

    Petroglyph

    An image that has been pecked or carved into the rock.

  • spiral shape painted on rock

    Pictograph

    An image that has been painted onto the rock.

  • two human figures drawn on rock

    Anthropomorph

    A human-like figure.

  • animal shapes carved into rock

    Zoomorph

    An animal-like figure.

two human like figures etched into rock while also remnants of painting are visible

Many of the figures at McConkie Ranch were created by both pecking or carving and painting. That is, they are both petroglyph and pictographs. Some of the figures here appear incomplete: it may be that portions of these figures that were painted have eroded away and that only the pecked or carved portions remain.

Rock Imagery Site Etiquette and Appreciation

ln addition to the visitation rules that the McConkie family asks all visitors to follow, these tips from Vernal-area archaeologist Clay Johnson will help you and others enjoy and protect the McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs:

  • Take time to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding area. Look at the mountains, the canyon, the plants, and the wildlife. Listen to the native sounds. Feel the sun and wind. Sit still until the birds come out and the lizards crawl over your toes.

  • Step back and take a big picture view of each rock imagery panel. Appreciate how each element of the rock imagery interacts with its surroundings.

  • Take time to appreciate the intricacy and detail of each rock imagery panel, rather than trying to see the maximum number of panels. Don’t try to interpret the panel, just sit quietly and watch. Give the rocks time to see you.

  • To study details, use the zoom on your camera or binoculars, and consider making freehand sketches. See each panel as an integral part of the site.

  • Be constantly aware of the effects of your actions and the actions of others. Make your behavior a model for others and speak out when needed to prevent damage to the rock imagery.

  • Do not touch in any way the rock imagery or any rock surfaces.

  • Do not attempt to remove graffiti, chalking, lichen, bird droppings, or any other material from rock imagery.

  • Do not apply anything, including liquid, powder, plastic, cloth, or paper, to or on top of rock imagery.

  • Do not hike or climb above rock imagery panels. Do not climb or disturb rocks in chimneys, slots, or gaps in the rock cliffs at rock imagery sites.

  • Stay on the trails, and do not disturb rocks, vegetation, or microbiotic soil crusts.

  • Do not disturb any artifacts, rock alignments, or other evidence of ancient use.

  • Do not camp or build fires within 1/4 mile of rock imagery.

  • Do not allow pets, children, or other members of your party to behave improperly around rock imagery.

  • Remember that the essence of site etiquette is to behave better than strictly necessary.

Gate at 3 Kings Trail entrance with Stay on Trail signage