Hohokam clay figurines, found at many large archaeological sites, ASM. - Sitting person, wrapped in a sort of shawl, with turban or an unusual hairstyle. Height: 4 inches.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Hohokam clay figurines, found at many large archaeological sites, ASM. - Sitting human figure with a shallow bowl on its head; both sides of the head are painted with designs in red. Height: 5 inches.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

This clay figurine once embellished the handle of a jar or a ladle. With almond-shaped eyes, prominent nose, expressionistic in style, it is comparable to the Hohokam figurines (see PUE-164 and PUE-165). Height: 2.76 inches. Mogollon Culture, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

A selection of clay figurines made by the Hohokam, found largely in graves. The faces are quite detailed, eyes and mouths are incised, eyelids clearly delineated. As portraits and as death masks they illustrate the transition from reality to eternity. The median length of the faces is 1.2 inches; the tallest figurine measures 3.36 inches. ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Hohokam pottery with geometric and naturalistic designs. - Red on ochre pot with the enlarged head and body of a seated figure. Height: 6.48 inches. ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Piece of pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico). - Anthropomorphic pot with extended legs, arms parallel to the body, shaped eyes and nose. Length: 9.32 inches. AFM
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Piece of pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico). - Red anthropomorphic pitcher with a flat head, almond-shaped eyes and shaped nose, chin and ears. Height: 7.6 inches. AFM
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Piece of pottery from Casas Grandes (Mexico). - Double mug. A large number ofthese mugs were found at Mesa Verde. Diameter: 5 inches. AFM.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Red and white petroglyphs in Horseshoe Canyon, Barrier Creek, Canyonlands National Park (Utah). They are among the most beautiful petroglyphs of the Fremont Culture: impressive, priestly figures of men whose bodies are decorated with geometric designs (depicting clothing or body painting). There are innumerable theories as to what these figures represent: warriors, priests, dancers. Are they associated with hunting? There are deer on the rock to the right. The central figure is about 68 inches high.

The Ghost stands surrounded by smaller figures. Is he perhaps wearing a mask? The paintings have more or less natural human scale: The Ghost is 85 inches tall. Horseshoe Canyon, Barrier Creek, Canyonlands National Park (Utah).

The famous frieze of human figures that stretches for yards along the stone cliffs of Horseshoe Canyon. The entire length of the upper frieze is 140 feet. The general impression is of a procession on its way to a holy site. The paintings are a considerable distance from any inhabited place, which adds to their magical character. Canyonlands National Park (Utah), Fremont Culture.

Drawing based on photograph. Group of people, with trapezoid bodies and clearly recognizable feathers on their heads, and deer. The compositions are about 7 feet long. Fremont River Gorge, Capital Reef National Park (Utah).

Large figures with shields decorated with animal symbols (bear paws). The surfaces and lines are fairly evenly picked. The style is a blend of realism, naturalistic stylization and schematization. Height of one figure: 46 inches. Galisteo (New Mexico).

Rock engraving: human figures with feathers on their heads and decorated bodies, flanked by two stylized birds. The figure of Kokopelli, the hunchback flute player of the Southwest, can be seen to the right. The lower figure is 20 inches high and the upper one measures 24 inches. Galisteo (New Mexico).

Petroglyphs that are clearly magical in character. The colored paints were made of mineral and plant materials and were probably applied to the rock with fingers. The figures pictured here were painted in red and ochre, the "shields" in black and white. Courthouse Wash, Arches National Park (Utah).

Detail of an enormous human figure. Large eyes scrutinize us; two animals (deer?) cover the upper body; Horseshoe Canyon, Canyonlands National Park (Utah).

Engraved and painted pictograph titled The Three Kings. The figures survey us with their dignified glance from a height of 100 feet. They were first picked and then emphasized with color; remnants of the original pigment (hematite) have survived. The schematic figure to the right is done in relief. Spirals and sun symbols are numerous. The figures are wearing feathers on their heads, necklaces around their necks and belts around their waists; the dots and lines on the torsos may represent tattoos or body paint. The highly ceremonial character of the entire composition is obvious. Dry Fork Canyon near Vernal (Utah).

Petroglyphs, a magical scene with stylized figures. The largest has a body in the shape of a trapezoid. The lines are pecked; straight and curved lines harmonize with each other. The artist sought to balance the smooth surfaces with those that are pecked out. The representation is clear. Earrings, necklaces and feathers are the prevailing ornamentation; there is a magnificently decorated shield (12.8 inches diameter), which is carried by two people. McKee Springs, Dinosaur ational Monument (Utah).

Petroglyphs, very geometrically shaped figures with trapezoidal bodies, a decorated shield, feather headdresses and necklaces. Several lines were made by fine and consistent pecking, others were incised with the edge of a stone ax. Dry Fork Canyon, Uintah Basin Area (Utah).

Petroglyphs, very geometrically shaped figures with trapezoidal bodies, a decorated shield, feather headdresses and necklaces. Several lines were made by fine and consistent pecking, others were incised with the edge of a stone ax. The height of the human figure at the bottom right is 40 inches. Dry Fork Canyon, Uintah Basin Area (Utah).

Ten faces from a frieze called The Thirteen Faces. Polychrome painting of heads, which have masks and feather headdresses. Horse Canyon, Canyonlands ational Park (Utah).

Photo Gallery