ROCK ART AND SHAMANISM IN THE LOWER PECOS RIVER by Dr. Milford Fletcher
This lecture and hors doeuvres buffet FUNDRAISER, hosted by Friends of Tijeras Pueblo on Saturday March 24, 2007 was a great success! The Sandia Ranger Station in Tijeras was the spot where Dr. Fletcher delivered an animated and informative presentation to a nearly full house. Shamanism in U.S. rock art is controversial, however lower Pecos Rock Art is generally accepted as being one of two areas in the U.S. where rock art reflects the practice of shamanism. In southwest Texas where the Devils, Pecos and Rio Grande rivers meet, a culture of nomadic hunter-gatherers emerged more than 4,000 years ago.Participating in shamanistic tradition, certain individuals entered a trance and interacted and interceded with spirits and animals on behalf of members of their community. These visions were recorded in vivid and stunning detail on the rock walls of shelters and overhangs. Dr. Fletcher's impressive collection of photos of this rock art provided the audience with a better understanding of how shamanism is thought to be represented in the images.
Following the lecture, everyone gathered at a delicious hors d'ourvres buffet in the lobby of the station. Seven lucky winners went home with great door prizes. Major local supporters of the event included Smith's in Edgewood, Shorty's BBQ of Moriarty, Wild Oats Markets and Abitha's Herbary of Albuquerque. A special thanks goes out to them for helping to make this event a very special afternoon, indeed.
All donations received at this event will help fund the new TijerasPuebloArchaeologicalSiteInterpretiveCenter and its exhibits.