Barrier Canyon Style Painting

Notable and unique are the seven slender, hollow-eyed anthropomorphic forms with elaborate headdresses. The "dots" above the figures are the size of thumb prints. On the left are snakes, and beside the dominant figure are small "helper" animals.



Barrier Canyon Style Painting

If one is fortunate to be at the Great Gallery when the ranger allows visitors to explore past the barrier, this small hidden panel can be seen. Someone long ago pecked away the faces and feet of the dog and the human-like figures, ceremonially I presume. There are instances where Native Americans are believed to have altered rock art, with two examples being Desecration Panel on the San Juan River in Utah and the Courthouse Wash Rock Art panel near Moab. The latter reputedly was "scrubbed" for religious reasons by Indians in 1980.



Barrier Canyon Style Painting

This impressive Barrier Canyon Style panel is easily accessible by car, being a few minutes north of I-70, near Thompson Springs, Utah, and is well worth viewing. This panel has been heavily vandalized but has been restored. Also at this site is a Ute panel and a Fremont panel.



Barrier Canyon Style Painting

The figure on the right has horns and a snake coming out if its mouth, as well as a snake near the right hand. Unusual are the four groups of ascending sheep, particularly since sheep are not commonly portrayed on Barrier Canyon Style panels.