Davis Gulch Pictograph Panel

This 60 linear foot panel consists of about 35 painted one to two foot high designs, including a dozen anthropomorphs, placed about four to seven feet above the sandy floor of a protective sandstone cliff alcove. Protected by the deep overhang of the sandstone alcove, alteration and patination of the bedrock back wall is minor. Some flaking and spalling of the pictographs dull white and gray-white pigment has occurred. The preservation of the panel is excellent and due largely to isolation, lack of moisture and, perhaps, continuous shading from most direct sunlight. What damage has occurred is probably attributable mainly to abrasive sand-laden winds that must blow in the alcove at various times of the
year. Modern graffiti has begun to appear among the designs as access to the public has become easier.

Funded studies in the preservation or pictographs are under way and this site is expected to receive treatment to protect it from wet environments. Completed preservation treatment is expected to cost $20,000.

Pictographs are rare in the Glen Canyon region and in a 1963 review of rock art literature in western North America fewer than 20 panels of comparable size could be found. On the basis of number alone, the Davis Gulch pictographs have considerable cultural value.

The dating of the Davis Gulch pictographs by weathering, style and ceramics make it most likely that the panel was produced between 1050-1250 A.D.

The pictograph panel has been designated Style 4, associated with the Pueblo II-III occupation, Anasazi ethnic group.

Added to the National Historic Register (#75000166) on June 5, 1975.