Ancient Native American petroglyphs (symbols craved on rocks) and pictographs (rock painting) are claimed by some to be forms of writing for which meanings are known. But are such claims supported by archaeology or by Native Americans? Archaeologist Allen Dart illustrates how petroglyph and pictograph styles changed through time and over different parts of the U.S. Southwest both before and after non-Indian peoples entered the region. He will also discuss how even the same rock art symbol may be interpreted differently from popular, scientific, and modern Native American perspectives.
