Let's take an up close look at rock art! We call it that for lack of a better name. We don't call paintings canvas art or drawings paper art, do we? Well, there you go. What's in a name, anyway?

Actually some of the most beautiful, fantastic and wonderful art in the world is found on the walls of canyons and caves and on boulders and stones. Much of it is hundreds or thousands of years old. That's what we are going to explore in this issue.

Grab your virtual hiking boots and come on! We will, we will rock you!

But first, some basics:

Our ancestors drew and painted and made all sorts of designs and pictures --on wood and cloth and stone, and other things, but after a long time has passed, very little but the stone is left, so art on stone is mostly what remains for us to see today. Not all art is like a painting or picture. Some art is made for spiritual or religious purposes. It is hard, though, after many years have passed, to understand the purpose of the artist. It is interesting to think and wonder about, though.   <--------- Hey, that's me--ZiNj--my portrait on a rock!

• Since most rock art was made a long time ago, we really don't have a very good idea about what it might mean. Beware of anybody who tells you they know what the symbols mean. They are probably just making it up.
• Rock art may be the only remaining evidence of some ancient people. Be nice to it: it is a treasure that your grandkids' grandkids will surely want to enjoy.