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Utah’s Rock Art: Protecting our Past
Utah is fortunate to have many fine examples of
rock art, and a rich archaeological heritage. Our past, however, is being
threatened by people who collect artifacts and dig sites as well as by those
who vandalize rock art panels.
Many visitors do not
realize that collecting artifacts, digging sites and defacing rock
art have several harmful results. These actions destroy data,
attack Native American cultural heritage, and rob other people
from the opportunity to appreciate and understand other cultures
and human history. If you see people vandalizing sites, please
report it as soon as possible by calling 1-800-VANDALS. Obtain as
much information about the people without putting yourself in
danger.
If you find something that appears particularly interesting or
possibly valuable, contact the BLM (Tel: 801/539-4001 in Salt Lake
City). This applies especially to human remains which have
occasionally weathered out.
Do your part to help
preserve archaeological sites!
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Touching rock art will
leave oils from your fingers that may speed the rock’s natural
deterioration process.
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Making paper rubbings
or tracings may crumble rock art
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Making latex molds of
rock art should only be done by professionals if the rock art is
going to be destroyed by construction or development.
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Building fires nearby
can cause serious damage from smoke and high temperature.
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Do NOT take it home.
Collecting is illegal and punishable by law.
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Chalking is harmful to
the rock art, and makes it impossible to use new methods of dating
the figures.
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Re-pecking or
re-painting a difficult-to-see image doesn’t restore it, but
rather destroys the original.
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Defacement.
Insensitive people often paint their names over rock art, or shoot
bullets at it. Defacement is a sign of
disrespect for other cultures.
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Tunnel vision. People
like rock art so much, they often forget to watch where they are
walking and may trample or damage important artifacts.
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Removal/ rearrangement
of artifacts often destroys archaeological data. Artifacts should
be left where they are found.
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Ground Disturbance.
Any digging at an archaeological site is not allowed. Visitors
should tread as lightly as possible, especially on loose slopes
and under rock overhangs. Always stay on designated roads and
trails.
(Adapted from Intrigue
of the Past and Hurst and Pachak, 1989, pp. 25-26).
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