This is a sketch of the largest panel of "painted petroglyphs" located at the Narrows rock shelter. The panel consists of 15 human figures arranged in two rows – one above the other – with a single larger figure on the left end. The figures in rows are stylized, full-body images (though portions of some figures have eroded) depicted in a more-or-less standardized pose with arms extended out from the shoulders then bent down at the elbows, and feet (where preserved) pointed outward. Arms generally terminate without any clear indication of hands. Red-painted details are present in the neck, armpit, and – in one case – genital regions of four figures. Six figures have joined arms, lending the panel an action appearance, perhaps as if a dance were being performed. The large figure on the left side of the panel has an elongated arm that terminates in a “split stick” motif, directly below which is a cross-in-circle figure. The "circle-cross" motif is a common element of Southeastern Ceremonial Complex iconography representing a "center point" of This World (often symbolized by a sacred fire) in Southeastern Indian cosmology.
This sketch was drawn by Jared Pebworth of the Arkansas Archaeological Survey.
This sketch was drawn by Jared Pebworth of the Arkansas Archaeological Survey.
