Are Petroglyphs, Pictographs, and Inscriptions “Art”?

Caption: Pictographs at Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

NPS photo.

Archeologists, anthropologists, and other scholars trained in Western traditions coined the phrase “rock art” when they “discovered” images carved or painted on rock faces. Native peoples who consult and collaborate with them, however, disagree. They find the phrase “rock art” to be inaccurate, and even harmful. Native peoples point out that their ancestors had no word for “art” or a meaning like it.

The concept of “art” derives from a Western worldview. The meaning of art derives from aesthetics, workmanship, and an ability to evoke emotional and intellectual responses. These elements make up the value and purpose of art in Western society.

Native peoples have shared with archeologists and anthropologists why they do not see rock markings as “art” in the Western sense. For them, rock markings held sacred and utilitarian purposes for communication or ceremonies and rituals. They represent significant cultural themes or messages. In this way, rock markings are much like baskets, beadwork or painted ceramics. These items, and rock markings, wove together with the cultural and spiritual worlds as one. While a Western perspective may consider these items traditional Native American “art,” in historical context it meant something very different.

Europeans and European Americans who made rock markings, however, did have the word “art” in their vocabularies. In these cases, the makers’ intent is still important to consider. Based on where the inscriptions are found, archeologists and historians believe that they were not created to be art, but to mark or commemorate a moment in time.

We do not know what people in the past called their rock markings. Out of respect for Native peoples and their cultural heritage, archeologists and anthropologists are shifting away from calling them “rock art.” When you view petroglyphs and pictographs, consider what your worldview brings and take away a deepened appreciation for their cultural significance from another perspective.

Image-making, however, continues to be an important part of Native American culture. Today, Native American artists and artisans draw on ancient motifs and concepts in their creative process.

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3 minutes, 54 seconds

Some of the oldest and longest lasting images that humans made in the Southwest are mysterious markings and pictures picked or painted on cliffs, alcoves, and boulders. These images are generally referred to as Rock Art, but are more a type of communication than art. Perhaps they should be called Rock Writings instead, as they communicate culturally significant ideas and messages.  

Learn more: Petroglyphs