Definition: Petroglyphs are a form of prehistoric rock art found in many cultures around the world and at many times. They are made by carving, etching, incising, rubbing, and pounding the rock surface to create images. Petroglyphs are among the oldest form of art known to humans, and they are no doubt directly ancestral to the graffiti artists of today.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Examples:
Petroglyph National Park in New Mexico, the United States; the Ometope site in Nicaragua; and the Murujuga petroglyphs, Dampier, Australia are just a few of the many sites where petroglyphs can be seen.
