Prehistory on the Pecos:
Rock Art of the Lower Pecos
Torrance County
Archaeological Society
March 28–30, 2006

Fifteen members of the Torrance Archaeological Society — Estancia, New Mexico — visited the Amistad area March 28–30, 2006. The group was lead by Dr. Glenna Dean, New Mexico State Archeologist, whose dissertation research was conducted in this region. Dr. Dean gave presentations to the participants two evenings during the trip.

On Tuesday, the 28^th, the group spent the day visiting rock art sites. They met at Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site and were guided on a tour of Fate Bell Shelter by Elton Prewitt. Leaving there, they enjoyed a picnic lunch near Painted Shelter where they were joined by Dr. Phil Dering. After lunch they viewed the fascinating monochrome rock art at this site. Prewitt and Dering provided a brief introduction into the art and archeology of the region. In addition, Dr. Dering discussed earth ovens, their construction and use.

In the afternoon, they traveled to the Galloway White Shaman Preserve and visited the White Shaman Shelter. Here they were joined by Dr. Carolyn Boyd, Executive Director of SHUMLA, who discussed her revolutionary ideas on interpreting Pecos River Style rock art.

Wednesday, March 29^th began with the group visiting the SHUMLA office where they were able to purchase tee shirts and copies of Dr. Boyd's book, Rock Art of the Lower Pecos. Late morning saw the group headed for Lewis Canyon, probably the largest petroglyph site in Texas. This day's tour was lead by Elton Prewitt and Kathleen Burgess of SHUMLA.

Thursday, the 30^th arrived and the tour headed west. After gathering at the SHUMLA office in Comstock, they visited the SHUMLA campus west of town, then traveled on to Langtry. Here they trekked into Mile Canyon.  While in the canyon, they visited Bonfire Shelter and Eagle Cave. Bonfire Shelter is a bison-jump site, one of the oldest in the country, and the furthest south. Eagle Cave contains pictographs, as well as many reminders of the Native Americans who made this shelter their home. The day's adventures were lead by landowner Jack Skiles, Elton Prewitt, and Dr. Phil Dering. Here is a link to more information about Mile Canyon and its archeological sites.

Leaving Mile Canyon, the group departed for home. They had a wonderful time and are looking forward to a return visit.

If your group is interested in arranging a program like this, contact the program division at programs@shumla.org or call the SHUMLA office at
432-292-4848.