Hieroglyphic Canyon: A Petroglyph Record of a Changing Subsistence Pattern

Donald E. Weaver Jr.

Hieroglyphic Canyon: A Petroglyph Record of a Changing Subsistence Pattern

Year: 1985

Summary

Located along the western escarpment of the Superstition Mountains in Central Arizona, Hieroglyphic Canyon contains numerous petroglyphs associated with a perennial or nearly perennial spring, a large dry-laid wall, bedrock mortars, and artifact scatters. Evidence indicates that the area was used as a base camp by family groups of prehistoric and early historic Indians who hunted desert bighorn sheep and deer, and gathered wild plant foods.

Although design elements depicting big game are predominant at the site, none of the animals show dart or arrow wounds. In addition, few of the animals are shown in wounded, dying, or dead positions. The absence of patterns normally associated with hunting magic raises several important questions about such interpretations at rock art sites. It is argued that many of the petroglyphs are the result of efforts to insure continued availability of big game animals in the area around the site, while other designs are associated with rituals and activities largely unrelated to hunting big game. This paper suggests that the site documents a gradual change in the subsistence patterns of the groups responsible for producing the petroglyphs.

Results of the analysis of this large rock art site serve to emphasize the critical need to consider rock art within the context of the total site environment, both natural and cultural, and within a broader regional context. Further, rock art cannot be adequately understood unless the associated cultural features and artifacts form an integral part of the anthropological interpretation.