United States History Student Edition

A Southwest Rock Art

Petroglyphs are designs that are carved or scratched into rock. Native Americans carved petroglyphs for different purposes. Some were religious. Others provided information, such as tribal boundaries or hunting grounds. The petroglyph shown here was found in Nine Mile Canyon in what is today northeastern Utah.

PRIMARY SOURCE: PETROGYLPH

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Inferring What identifiable figures are shown in this petroglyph? What do they tell you about the lifestyle of the people who carved them? 2. Interpreting What do you think the purpose of this petroglyph might have been?

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The First Americans