Ivins, Utah Petroglyphs

The Anasazi native tribe is famous in Utah for their Indian art and drawings, most especially the pertroglyphs found near Ivins. They are very ancient and pre-date European settlements, and have attracted world attention. However, they are hidden secretly, protected by the government; their current battle is with the elements.

The petroglyphs of Ivins, Indian art/drawings, are located just outside St. George, Utah. They are the skillful handiwork of the Anasazi native tribe, whose ancestors created these wonders on rock faces many thousands of years ago. They remained protected until European settlements grew up and thankfully today they are protected federally.

Local tribes' people consider the area to be sacred. Sadly over the years, vandalism has destroyed or defaced some of these drawings to the point that it is hard to see anything, but a blur. The federal government stepped in before they were destroyed; even the general public is not given access to these, and their locations are kept secret. Even the locals, who are aware of the pertroglyphs, have joined ranks with local tribes people to preserve the local heritage.

It is not known whether the federal government will be removing the drawings and putting them into a museum for better protection and preservation. There are those who feel that such history should be shared and further steps should be taken to ensure these pieces of American history are not left exposed, even to the elements.

The petroglyphs vary, pictures are not so easy to understand, but they are similar in nature to hieroglyphics combined with caveman drawings. Some of the symbols include mountain sheep, rams, and other animals. Some of them are as big as 2 ft wide.