Quail rock art panel, Archaeological site in Cedar Mesa, San Juan County, Utah, US
The Quail rock art panel is an archaeological site near Cedar Mesa displaying red and yellow shield figures on canyon walls. The images show humanlike figures with characteristic features such as topknots and rare green bird forms, including a depiction resembling a quail.
The artwork was created between 500 BC and 750 AD by the Basketmaker II culture who lived in this region. This period marked a major shift as people transitioned from nomadic life to settled communities that practiced farming.
The figures here reflect how early Puebloan people recorded their stories and beliefs on stone surfaces. The use of red, yellow, and rare green pigments suggests that different colors held specific meanings for those who created them.
The site requires a lengthy hike through challenging terrain, so good physical preparation is essential. Visitors should be comfortable with map and compass navigation, as the route demands finding your way through undeveloped land.
The panel includes two green figures, an unusual color choice in southwestern rock art that artists employed here. Additionally, the collection shows a depiction of a mountain lion, reflecting the hunters and predators of the surrounding landscape.
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