The Rock Art of Nevada, America

	BLACK CANYON (PAHRANAGAT) PROJECT	Page 2/8

In April 2009, Nevada Rock Art Foundation assisted Far Western Anthropological Research Group in recording rock art features at Black Canyon on the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Lincoln County. The archaeological signifi cance of Black Canyon was recognized in the 1970's with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places as an archaeological district. The US Fish and Wildlife Service contracted Far Western to complete an intensive archaeological survey and recording of Black Canyon to provide data that would serve as the basis for future management, conservation, and interpretation of the district's unique cultural resources. The rich natural resources in this area appear to have been intensively used in prehistory, reflected by the abundant rock art and other archaeological features. Black Canyon also probably served as a transportation corridor for peoples moving between the upper reaches of the White River and the marshes of Lower Pahranagat valley. Recording Black Canyon Nevada Rock Art Foundation supported Far Western's survey and documentation of Black Canyon's archaeological resources by recording rock art in the archaeological district. A total of approximately 100 panels at 7 sites was recorded through photography, scaled line drawings, and detailed observations made of each panel's style characteristics and physical condition. Nevada Rock Art Foundation volunteers contributed 416 hours of donated labor and worked enthusiastically and effectively despite the difficult conditions, particularly snow and tough terrain. Rock Art Styles at Black Canyon Black Canyon is well-known for its concentration of Pahranagat Representational Style petroglyphs. This distinctive style is composed of varying treatments of the human form: a headless rectangular form with internal decoration, often bearing an atlatl-like design, and a solid-pecked oval or rectangular form, with a line protruding from the head and with down-turned arms and extended hands. This anthropomorph style appears restricted in distribution to the Pahranagat Valley drainage and adjacent areas, representing a localized cultural development. The chronology and functions of the Pahranagat Representational Style are not well understood and have fueled much speculation. Based on its formal properties and landscape context, Black Canyon’s rock art may have influenced the lived experience of economic and social practices by providing a source of cultural symbolism that was engaged with in domestic routines. Elsewhere, such symbolism often plays an important role in the construction and negotiation of cultural identities and social roles. Acknowledgements We are grateful to the US Fish & Wildlife Service and Far Western Anthropological Research Group for the opportunity of participating in this project. Nevada Rock Art Foundation volunteers were directed in the field by Angus Quinlan, assisted by Kasey O’Horo and Sarah Henderson. Susan Bailey, Carolyn Barnes-Wolfe, Ralph Bennett, Janice Hoke, Elaine Holmes, Bill James, Joan Johnson, Rose Keough, Cornelia and Maury Kallerud, Ed Laine, Anne McConnell, Deb and John Mitchell, Geno Oliver, Paula Reynosa, Sue Roberts, Doug Rorer, Margaret Westcamp, and Alison Youngs braved the elements and difficult terrain, working diligently at all times; their hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated. Like us on Facebook & Follow us on Twitter to receive news & updates:
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