Four major southwestern Native American groups, the Fremont, Anasazi

Four major southwestern Native American groups, the Fremont, Anasazi (Hopi), Hohokam and Mogollon were the first to create rock art. (hit enter)

• Four major southwestern Native American groups, the Fremont, Anasazi (Hopi), Hohokam and Mogollon were the first to create rock art. (hit enter)

• These groups lived in the Great Basin-a large, arid region in the Southwest that has no outlet to the sea. It extends into both the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. (hit enter)

• Today, this area is part of the four corners region of the U.S. It’s often called dead, barren and desolate but it’s also full of wonders like rock art!

• The Navajos and Apaches began began their rock-art traditions at a later time.

People who study rock art don’t always know why it was made! The Great Basin First Americans had no written language so we can’t be sure about their exact meanings.

• People who study rock art don’t always know why it was made! The Great Basin First Americans had no written language so we can’t be sure about their exact meanings.

• Archeologists believe that rock art was used to communicate, tell stories, mark trails, track seasons, record religious ceremonies or ensure successful hunts and bountiful crops.

• For example, the Kokopelli petroglyph is found in many rock art sites. Things found around pueblo ruins tell us he is the Hopi God of communication and regarded as the universal symbol of fertility for all life; such as crops or animals or things like hopes, dreams and love.

• The Hopi were miraculously able to raise food, like corn, beans and squash in the dry desert climate. They believed it was the Kokopelli who soothed the earth with his flute to help them grow these crops in such an arid place. (hit enter)

Today, if you were in Chaco Canyon stargazing in July on the 18.6 year celestial cycle and you:

• Today, if you were in Chaco Canyon stargazing in July on the 18.6 year celestial cycle and you:

• -Positioned a telescope on the circles under the shelf

• -Aligned it with the star

• -Waited until the moon positioned directly above the pointed finger of the red hand

• You would see the Crab Nebula in your telescope!

• Interestingly, both the Chinese and Japanese recorded the appearance of a very bright “Guest Star" around the time this rock art was thought to have been created! (hit enter)

• Source: http://www.astronomy.pomona.edu/archeo/outside/chaco/nebula.html

Rock art is really, really, really old! In the Big Basin, some of it is 2,000 old (from A.D. 1 to A.D. 1500.)

• Rock art is really, really, really old! In the Big Basin, some of it is 2,000 old (from A.D. 1 to A.D. 1500.)

• Archaeologists are able to date designs by examining subtle color variations and the various layers of the rock.

• In addition, rock art can be dated by comparing styles with the figures used on pottery or clay pipes found in Indian ruins like the Hopi’s pueblos.

• Dates can also be provided by looking at the subjects of the art and historic events. For example, Spaniards imported horses to the new world beginning in the 1500’s; therefore, rock art with horses would be from the 1500’s or later.

Find a pre-wired flat rock suitable for painting.

• Find a pre-wired flat rock suitable for painting.

• Sign your art and “Draw the Paw” on the back of your rock so others know it is a PTA Art EDventures creation.

• Now string some colorful beads on and tie to create a necklace or rock art keepsake.

• Think of something you want to communicate or choose a symbol like the Kokopelli from the rock art symbol sheets provided.

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Flat rocks (hooks and wire are pre-attached using epoxy or a strong glue. (Wire can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes in large spools.) You will need one per child.

• Flat rocks (hooks and wire are pre-attached using epoxy or a strong glue. (Wire can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes in large spools.) You will need one per child.

• Assorted beads/earthy colors (about 6 per child)

• Assorted colors of acrylic paint in earthy colors. A quarter size circle of paint in several colors for a table to share is fine.

• Fine Paint Brushes-one for each child (thick brushes will not work.)

• String-(yarn can be used but it is recommended you have the kids tape the ends first so the kids can easily thread it through their beads. One piece per child.

• Tape (enough for each table so the kids can tape the end of the yarn if you use it.)

• Paper plates for each table to paint on.

• Water containers for cleaning their brushes.

• Rock art symbol sheets from the portfolio.

• Sharpies for signing the rock (one per table)