Picture of the week

Sky Rock sunrise

Petroglyphs on the infamous Sky Rock with the  Eastern Sierras in the background. This rock is significant in the size, quantity, and variety of petroglyphs that are etched upon it.  Carved into the varnished side of 600,000 year old volcanic ash ("Bishop Tuft") that is over a mile deep, the specific location has been kept discrete in order to better protect it from potential vandals and thieves.

The Paiute indians were dominant in this area thousands of years ago with signs of their previous existence indicated on many rocks like this.  When studying this rock and comparing it to the analysis of the "Zipper" glyph at the Parowan Gap, in the photographers mind there seem to be some similarities in that these markings could be that of a topographical map. Instead of indicating specific astronomical significant cairn positions in the Parowan gap case, perhaps Sky Rock depicts some of the Owens Valley, its river, along with key locations such as springs, hunting grounds, and areas of special ceremonial existence?

All content and images are property of Stephen Fischer Photography, copyright 2013.  Last updated: 4/21/2013   ()