Procession Panel
One of the most remarkable rock art panels of Cedar Mesa region is the Procession Panel, found high up on Comb Ridge. These petroglyphs were inscribed in the Navajo sandstone around 1600 years ago (Pueblo I period, Basketmaker III), and includes 179 anthropomorphs, a large number of them in a line, much like line dancers. Several figures carrying hooked canes similar to shepherd’s crooks, seeming to guide the line of humans. Five of the human figures have their arms up with fingers splayed out as if they are waving. Animal figures are also carved into the stone, including two large deer bucks, bighorn sheep, and perhaps coyotes. There’s a humanoid figure with what looks like a donkey’s head, indicating the Puebloans were probably Democrats.
One interpretation of the panel suggests it shows a celebration, perhaps from a kiva. It may be relaying information or an event to groups crossing Comb ridge near this point. Whatever the significance it is a wonderful place to ponder life in this beautiful sacred area, now and in the past.
Procession Panel
One of the most remarkable rock art panels of Cedar Mesa region is the Procession Panel, found high up on Comb Ridge. These petroglyphs were inscribed in the Navajo sandstone around 1600 years ago (Pueblo I period, Basketmaker III), and includes 179 anthropomorphs, a large number of them in a line, much like line dancers. Several figures carrying hooked canes similar to shepherd’s crooks, seeming to guide the line of humans. Five of the human figures have their arms up with fingers splayed out as if they are waving. Animal figures are also carved into the stone, including two large deer bucks, bighorn sheep, and perhaps coyotes. There’s a humanoid figure with what looks like a donkey’s head, indicating the Puebloans were probably Democrats.
One interpretation of the panel suggests it shows a celebration, perhaps from a kiva. It may be relaying information or an event to groups crossing Comb ridge near this point. Whatever the significance it is a wonderful place to ponder life in this beautiful sacred area, now and in the past.