Hidden Valley Area Small Pictograph Site - Joshua Tree NP

Another great little piece of rock art in Joshua Tree National Park. It's not in the brochures and not on the maps. It's not the best pictograph spot in the park, but it's certainly not the worst. When you combine time spent researching and then actually searching for these spots, some people might not think it's worth it, but it's worth it to me and I know a few other folks out there who feel the same way.  It's part of our history.

There are several pictograph spots in the park that will blow your mind. I just don't want to do posts on them yet, because if I start with them, you might think that the "lesser" spots weren't worth posting.  So, please pardon my fragile ego...

This pictograph is the star of the show in this little spot. It's in pretty good shape because it is well sheltered from the elements.

Here is the same pictograph after being enhanced with a program called DStretch. The software was originally developed by JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratories) and used by NASA to enhance photographs taken by the Mars Rover.  The software was then modified for this purpose (among others) by Jon Harman Ph.D. I am very thankful to him, for providing me with a copy.  As time goes on and I post more photos from other pictograph sites, you will be amazed at what it can do.

 As seen with the naked eye.

 Enhanced.

I know this doesn't look like much and I'd be lying if I said I knew what it (or many other pictographs) represent. Most of the rock art done in isolated spots like this were done by Shamans while in a dream state (trance) caused by psychedelic substances such as Peyote, Jimson weed, Tobacco or other things. The drew what they saw in their "mind's eye." In many cases the things they drew clearly had meaning. However, your guess is as good as mine, or even the expert's as to what many of them mean. Unfortunately, that ancient knowledge is gone. In addition, some of the pictographs (not these) was created by puberty initiates. More on that in later posts.

The rest of the photos in this post were taken while I was snooping around looking for the spot. Even if a rock formation like this is only a mile around, you sometimes have to hike two or three times that far, because of all the nooks and crannies, climbing and investigating likely looking spots. I'll shut up now!

To enhance your view pleasure (I hope), please embiggen photos of your liking.

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