By Jerry E. Hilliard
Arkansas Archeological Survey

Indians did not create rock art haphazardly. It is clear from archeological survey that some sites were chosen while very similar locations were ignored. So how did Indians decide where to make their pictographs or petroglyphs? Often cultural factors influenced the choice, for example, the presence or absence of previous rock art. Another cultural factor is whether and how the site was used for other purposes. We wouldn't be too surprised to find that different kinds of rock art motifs were selected to decorate a habitation site as opposed to a site that had a special purpose such as for burial or food storage.

This article briefly outlines the physical and environmental properties that Indians noticed when choosing places to decorate with rock art.

This site is on a highly visible, elevated landform.

• Rock type and surface condition – smooth sandstone surfaces were preferred but imperfections and unusual colorations were often used for special artistic effect.
• Orientation of the rock face/site – rock art is more frequently on south- and west-facing surfaces.
• Accessibility – some rock art is located at sites that are very easy to reach, while other sites are very difficult to reach.
• Visibility – some rock art sites can be seen from great distances, while others are well hidden.
• Elevation – rock art sites are often at higher elevations within the local terrain.
• Unusual geological features – many rock art sites, especially those with evidence of multiple rock art production episodes, are on or near unusual geological features such as rock arches or pillars.
• Site size – some rock art sites are big enough for only one or two people, while others can hold quite a large crowd.
• Acoustic properties – some rock art sites have extraordinary echoes or other unusual acoustic properties.

These petroglyphs on a boulder may have marked a trail or boundary.

Specific associations of these features provide clues to site use and rock art function. Rock art placed on highly visible surfaces along trails may represent route or boundary markers. Rock art in small, out-of-the-way sites that are hard to reach and difficult to see may represent places for private rituals, such as vision quests. We often find multiple series of rock art images at sites with unique, highly visible features. This rock art is likely the product of ancient communal ceremonies.