Chugai' Pictograph Site, Rock art site in Rota, Northern Mariana Islands.
Chugai' Pictograph Site is a limestone cave on the southeastern side of Rota containing painted drawings covering a rock panel. The location holds around 90 images distributed across the surfaces, forming one continuous work of ancient art.
The pictographs were created by the Chamorro people who lived on the island for thousands of years. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, receiving official recognition for its archaeological importance.
The Chugai' pictographs show turtles and other symbols that held meaning for the Chamorro people and expressed their connection to the natural world. These images tell of things that mattered in the daily life and beliefs of this island community.
The cave is reached via a hiking trail that passes through forested terrain and requires physical effort. It is wise to ask for local information about conditions and any access restrictions before visiting.
The artists used natural pigments to create their drawings, which have remarkably survived over time. These colorants came from the surrounding area and show the Chamorro knowledge of their environment.
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