Recording Southwestern Rock Art Sites

ABSTRACT

Even though Southwestern rock art has been aesthetically appreciated and a number of good scientific studies have been completed, much remains to be learned from this unique cultural resource. Deficient recording has limited the study of this nonrenewable, rapidly diminishing data base. Therefore, a discussion of the types of field observations which have proven significant is offered with a goal of sensitizing recorders and encouraging perceptive observations. Photography and a number of other rock art panel recording techniques are described and evaluated. Photographic recording is emphasized as the most practical and accurate technique.