Lens-Artists Challenge #370: Ancient
Sofia called on us to talk about “things that belong to a distant past.” That’s the challenge this week. She gives us plenty of outstanding examples through her inspiring photos. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll find something Ancient to post about. Please see her post here.
A few years ago, while visiting Ruidoso, New Mexico, I discovered the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. It is not part of the National Park System. It is a historic landmark administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The site is located approximately 17 miles (27.3 km) south of Tularosa, New Mexico. What impressed me the most and compelled me to visit the site was the sheer number of petroglyphs. So much history condensed in one small area! As a visitor walks a short and easy half-mile (805 m) trail, one can see over 21,000 petroglyphs scattered over 50 acres in New Mexico’s northern Chihuahuan Desert. There are abstract figures, such as the images above, as well as masks, sunbursts, wildlife, handprints, and geometric designs.
The official park site says the following about the petroglyphs:
The petroglyphs at Three Rivers, dating back to between about 200-1450 AD, were created by Jornada Mogollon people who used stone tools to remove the dark patina on the exterior of the rock. A small pithouse is nearby and Sierra Blanca towers above to the east.
A visitor can easily spend hours leisurely walking around and marveling at the many petroglyphs one finds. Trying to decipher what each one means can be as easy as the image shown above or as mind-boggling as the image below.
These types of ancient rock art have always fascinated me. They show us how previous civilizations saw the world around them and how they lived. It is like providing a window into their lives, beliefs, and cultures. We also see how they connected with the natural world, spiritual practices, and social structures. We can think of rock art as a form of communication that shows us ceremonial practices, hunting, and astronomical events, too.
Last week, Ann-Christine asked about dreamy scenes. The results were spectacular. This week, I am looking forward to how you will share ancient views in your posts. When you add your post, please don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag so we can easily find your post in the Reader.
Next week, Ritva returns with a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Landscapes, Lens-Artists, New Mexico, and Parks. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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TheDarkDisclosure.online
Love your perspective on this topic. Very thought-provoking!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you.
Steve Schwartzman
We’ve been to many of the same places, both in Austin and elsewhere. This is yet another:
https://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/2022/11/02/the-road-not-taken/
Egidio Leitao
Indeed. We need to meet in person.
solaner
Very nice. I haven’t heard about it before.
Egidio Leitao
It’s not a very popular place.
Yanaj *
Testimonies of ancient cultures imbedded in nature: I love this combination. Egídio! A beautiful post in picture and word that inspires to follow in your footsteps and explore, let alone try to decipher those mysterious petroglyphs as well.
Egidio Leitao
Yanaj, I had not thought of it the way you put it. It is indeed an interesting combination. Thanks for your note.
philosophy through photography
Beautifully written, Egido!
Ancient art speaking through stone — history carved in patience, sunlight, and silence.
A perfect reminder that time may fade, but stories stay etched forever. ⛅✨
Fab clicks!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Philo. You made it all sound very poetic, as you do it so well.
philosophy through photography
You are welcome, Egidio.
Leya
An amazing number of petroglyphs, Egidio! I loved your description of them being windows into their lives. Amazing post.
Egidio Leitao
Glad you enjoyed the post, Ann-Christine.
equinoxio21
Simply unique. Thanks, obrigado, for the magic trip.
Até…
Brian
Egidio Leitao
Muito obrigado, Brian. I’m glad you liked the post.
restlessjo
That’s an amazing number of petroglyphs, Egidio! It must have taken you ages to look at them xx
Egidio Leitao
Jo, the only thing that prevented me from spending more time at the site was the heat. It was getting hot. Thanks for writing.
Amy
Excellent selections, Egidio! They tell the long history and great stories! 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Amy.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
I like how you concentrated on place and its history Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is something to preserve for sure, Great post Egídio, once again I learned a from a one culture.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Ritva. As often as possible, I like one single location for my posts.
Leanne Cole
Great post Egidio, rock art is such a great thing that is still around. I’m not saying that right, but it is the only glimpses we have into a culture from so long ago.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Leanne.
Wind Kisses
Petroglyphs have always fascinated me as well. They tell us so much about connection to the world, and yet it is still a mystery in so many instances. Your trip to Ruidoso looked a bit like a scavenger hunt of history, and the examples you picked were so clear. Great post. I have also read recently that Ruidoso is a great place to experience autumn.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Donna. Ruidoso is a beautiful area, but recently has experienced some major damage from flooding (and fire preceding that).
Joanne
Fabulous post, Egidio! I did not know about these petroglyphs. I don’t know how I missed them while traipsing around northern New Mexico. Fascinating!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Joanne.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, great post! You chose a great subject for your ancient images. You’ve captured these petroglyphs beautifully. Like you, I am fascinated with these images on the rocks. I always wonder about the people who put them on the rocks and what they were trying to tell us.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback, Beth.
Tina Schell
This is a great choice for the challenge Egidio, and as always your images are perfect! Looks like it must have been quite a hike too!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for the feedback, Tina. The hike was easy and not intense. It helps to explore the various pieces of rock art without rushing.
Toonsarah
I can’t believe we missed this when touring New Mexico! I’m always fascinated by petroglyphs, I like to imagine the person who created them and the story they were trying to tell through their art.
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, it’s not one of the more well-known places to visit unless you’re looking for things in that area. The thoughts you have about the rock art also goes through my mind.
Sofia Alves
That’s quite a long period of time, which makes it even more interesting. I love your thoughts about it, the connections to these ancient peoples and us, now, enjoying their art. Lovely post, Egídio.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Sofia. It always intrigues me when I see signs of past cultures.
bushboy
These are wonderful Egidio
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Brian.
Vicki
What a fascinating area. Those petroglyphs are remarkable, especially in their quantity in such a small area.
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, many thanks. That large number of petroglyphs in one relatively small area is really fascinating.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Great captures of the petroglyphs, Egidio. Amazing there are ao many in that area! I’m aware of a few here locally, but haven’t seen them yet.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Terri. I tend to get lost around those historical sites. So much to see.