Update

Petroglyphs Taken From Volcanic Tableland Recovered

Native News Network Staff in Native Challenges. Discussion »

BISHOP, CALIFORNIA – Petroglyph panels taken from a major rock art site north of Bishop have been recovered. They were discovered missing on October 31.

Damaged Rock Art at the Petroglyphs
on the Volcanic Tableland

Petroglyphs, also known as rock engravings, were a means for Indigenous peoples to communicate through pictures left in rock. Many of the petroglyphs in the United States predate when Jesus Christ walked on earth. They go back 3,500 years.

Suspects have not been identified, therefore, the US Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management is continuing its investigation and cannot release further details at this time.

Reward funds totaling $9,000 have been donated or pledged for information leading to the conviction of the responsible parties.

The damaged petroglyph panels at the site on the Volcanic Tableland were discovered in late 2012.

“Recovery of the petroglyphs was a priority from day one. I am pleased that they were returned. Now we need the public's help to identify the vandals responsible for damaging the site,”

said Bernadette Lovato, B Bishop Field Office manager.

Image Identifies a Section of the Rock Wall
that has been Removed

Anybody with information about the theft is asked to contact BLM law enforcement at 760.937.0301 or 760.937.0657. The suspects may have experience and access to masonry cutting tools.

The petroglyph site is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This site is one of the most significant rock art sites in the region and is still used by the local Paiute for ceremony.

Convictions on Act violations can result in fines and/or prison terms. In addition, Archaeological Resources Protection Act provides for civil fines, either in conjunction with or independent of any criminal prosecution, and forfeiture of vehicles and equipment used in the violation of the statute.

posted February 1, 2013 8:40 am est