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Grimes Point Archaeological Site is located a few miles east
of Fallon, Nevada, and is one of the largest and most accessible petroglyph
(rock art) sites in the United States. There are hundreds of boulders in this
locality with petroglyphs inscribed in them. Designs include circles, wavy
lines, human figures, snakes, and other animal figures. The rock art is believed
to be about 6,000 years old. These pictures were taken in September of 2005.
Click on image to enlarge
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The depressions and the
grooves seen in this and the next picture are made by a method called
"pit and groove," and is believed to be the oldest at this
site, dating back some 7,000 years. |
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They were made by striking
the boulder with another rock. Another method used here is called
"Great Basin pecked" thought to date from 1,000 to 1,500
years, BC. |
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More examples of Petroglyphs. |
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One of the oldest petroglyph
styles are seen as wavy lines and circular shapes. They could be as much
as 3,000 years old. |
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The straighter lines and
angular shapes are newer, dating back 500 to 2,000 years. |
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More examples of Petroglyphs. |
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Still more. These are
difficult to see. When the petroglyphs are made, the top layer of the
rock is removed, exposing the lighter material underneath. |
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The dark surface of the rock
is called a patina, and is formed as a result of chemical changes taking
place over time. |
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The petroglyphs are easily
seen in this picture. |
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Try to imagine how long it
took for this rock art to be created. It took a lot of time and
patience. |
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