Petroglyphs in a Hidden Canyon

November 26, 2024

We have visited the well-known petroglyph sites north of Deming numerous times. Years ago I ran across brief mention and vague directions to another, smaller site in the same area.

On this trek with the Gila Hikers, we did a brief tour of the more accessible site, stopping to photograph the famous Kokopelli, which we failed to find on our last trip.

"Among the Hopi, Kokopelli carries unborn children on his back and distributes them to women; for this reason, young girls often fear him.... Kokopelli may have originally been a representation of Aztec traders, known as pochtecas, who may have traveled to this region from northern Mesoamerica. These traders brought their goods in sacks slung across their backs and this sack may have evolved into Kokopelli's familiar hump; some tribes consider Kokopelli to have been a trader." From Wikipedia

Then we set off cross-country to see if we could make our way to the lesser known site. We wandered over salt flats and in and out of braided washes until, much to our surprise, a hidden canyon emerged from a low ridge. The canyon contained a sizable pool, an obvious shelter in a tumble of large boulders, and numerous petroglyphs. The first panel we saw seems to depict two figures hiking along a ridge, with several crosses above.

And speaking of hikers on a ridge, here are Dennis, Ken and Alan hoofing across an earthen dam.

One of the glyphs, which reminded me of a bicyle, might symbolize movement from one location to another.

There is supposed to be a "sun man" glyph in this area. I couldn't find any photos, but this character seems sunny enough.

My "sun man," Dennis, near a petroglyph of concentric circles. Some sources say concentric circles are associated with sun shrines or, less frequently, sun observing stations.

There are several deep bedrock mortars in the area, including this one inside the rock shelter.

An elaborate panel of petroglyphs inside the rock shelter.

Ken and Chris exploring the rock shelter.

Janett next to the rock shelter.

Chris and Ken making their way back across the desert, with the Floridas veiled in blowing dust.