Rochester Petroglyph

Fremont-Barrier Canyon Style Rock Art - Utah The Rochester petroglyphs are considered the premier rock art site in the sandstone canyons of Utah's San Rafael Swell.  This vast collection of petroglyphs dates from various periods - the prehistoric Fremont culture (1 A.D. to 1400 A.D.), Barrier culture (2000 to 4000 years earlier), with more recent additions dated by the depiction of the arrival of horses in the region. This felted panel is taken from the largest and most important grouping, which depicts a rainbow, humans, animals and various sacred symbols. The petroglyphs were created by pecking/chipping away the dark "desert varnish" (an organic coating on rock face in such arid areas), revealing the lighter-colored sandstone underneath. These petroglyph figures, created by many generations throughout thousands of years, suggest that this beautiful site above the Muddy River was a gathering place, perhaps a sacred place of ceremony, community and birthing. This intricate felted pane