This is one of my favorite glyphs from the Three Rivers Petroglyph site in Southern New Mexico– but what does it mean? I’ll go out on the proverbial limb. My guess is it represents a drug induced shamanistic vision. There is some thought that the circle with dots represents Datura, a powerful hallucinogen (and also a favorite flower subject of Georgia O’Keeffe).

This is the most realistic portrayal of a human we found among the Three River Petroglyphs. Note the ear rings.

I also found this triangular face fascinating. Many of the petroglyphs at Three Rivers take advantage of the rocks natural features. This one uses the ridge to set off the nose and eyes, and cracks to outline the chin.

According to Alex Patterson in his book, Rock Art Symbols, this is either the Mother of Animals or a woman waiting for her honey. It could be she is having a baby. Check out her expression. Two different versions are below.

Another possible version of Mother of Animals at Three Rivers Petroglyph site.

And a third.

I introduced a close up of this character in my last blog. Here he is located in his rock setting. I am thinking “boo!”

Talk about scary, this guy qualifies. Big eyes and big, sharp teeth

Petroglyphs can be quite graphic in their portrayals…

…And abstract. Geometric patterns are often included.

You can tell your god by the headdress he or she wears. The plant may be corn.

I’ll conclude this blog with this spiky haired character who appears to be waving bye-bye.

I check out a mountain lion petroglyph.