From November 30, 2022 post.
Pictograph or Petroglyph...do you know the difference?
Pictographs are painted onto the rock, while Petroglyphs are pecked into the rock. These two rock art styles are well documented in Chaco Canyon, but as you explore the park you'll see many more pecked images than painted ones. Although petroglyphs may become eroded or weathered over time, pictographs quickly fade in the sun and flake off of the rock surface. As a result, pictographs are more fragile and disappear more quickly.
Why do some pictographs hold up better than others? Often, ancestors chose rocky overhangs or caves to leave their artistic mark. In these cases, the image is protected from damaging sunlight and extreme weather.
In the case of the well-known Supernova pictograph, ancestors chose to paint these images on an overhang that sits along the now established Penasco Blanco trail. Protected from the sunlight and rain, the Supernova pictograph remains a beautiful reminder of the connection between the ancestors, the land, and the sky.
The Supernova pictograph has become an iconic image in the canyon, and encourages many visitors to journey down the Penasco Blanco trail in search of a glimpse. This #givingtuesday we hope that you'll donate to our fundraiser to enhance the trail for all who want to visit this captivating panel.
Original source can be found here.
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