Petroglyphs are images notch in rock, usually by early, especially Neolithic, peoples. They were a significant form of pre-writing symbols, used in communication from just about 10,000 B.C. to current times, depending on traditions and location. Many petroglyphs are deliberation to represent some kind of not-yet-fully understood symbolic or ritual language. The oldest petroglyphs are dated to about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Around 7,000 to 9,000 years ago, other writing system such as hieroglyph and ideograms began to appear. Petroglyphs were still common although, and tribal societies sustained using them much longer, even until contact with Western society was made in the 20th century. These images probably had deep literary and religious consequence for the societies that created them; in many cases this importance remains for their descendants.
I am fascinated by ancient traditions like petroglyphs! Are they art, prayer, communication? I would imagine they were either stories/symbols or possibly their concrete way of keeping records, and carving them in rock, what a better way to ensure your mark will be left? I remember seeing petroglyphs in St. Johns, there was such mystery. Seeing them left you with such immense wonder, completely miffed at the meaning, you make your best interpretation. They speak and breathe tribal society.
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