Petroglyph National Monument
35 8'9 "N 106 45'43" W / 35.13583, -106.76194
Petroglyph National Monument, and Petroglyph National Monument stretches 27 km along the New Mexico's West Mesa, a volcanic escarpment consists of basalt that dominates the skyline west of the city of Albuquerque , in New Mexico ( States United ). Created June 27, 1990, this "monument" of 29 km is managed by the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque.
Summary |
Petroglyph National Monument protects a variety of cultural and natural elements, including five volcanic cones, hundreds of archaeological sites and an estimated 20 to 25,000 images carved by Indian peoples (including the ancestors of Pueblo Indians) and by the early settlers Spanish. These images are the heritage of a people which has long since migrated to other regions. This "monument" to protect the petroglyphs that visitors and future generations to contemplate.
Wildlife
This "monument" is home to many animal species, but some deserve special mention:
- two species of millipedes are endemic to this protected area: Orthoporus ornatus, brown and black Comanchelus chihuanus, gray black, considered very rare.
- several species of snakes, most of which are nocturnal and harmless, but two species of venomous rattlesnake ( rattlesnake ) Crotalus atrox and Crotalus viridis.
Geology
The escarpment of the West Mesa is actually an old lava flow after cracks visualized by five volcanic cones. The last eruption was in 150 000 years. The lava then produced gave the basalt as it cools.
Petroglyphs
Basalt, gray originally was covered with a thin layer of time black or dark brown oxide called desert varnish. When this layer is removed, the underlying rock appears clearer, forming a contrast white on black. It is this feature that drives the petroglyphs were used.
Oldest have an estimated age of 2000 years BC, but most seem to have been carved between 1300 and 1690 AD Many of these images depict animals, people, signs and various cross; others are more complex. Their meaning was probably understood by the person who engraved, but they may have had a role in traditional ceremonies.
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