Petroglyphs and Pictographs

In archaeology, petroglyphs and pictographs are terms used to describe forms of "rock art." Petroglyph refers to a rock carving or etching, while the term pictograph is commonly applied to a rock painting. Typically, these features are found on the vertical or overhanging surfaces of large boulders and are sometimes associated with nearby settlements. However, they are often found isolated a great distance from living areas. Although both types of rock art can be traced back to early prehistoric times, their occurrence in historic contexts are not uncommon. In fact, many traditional aboriginal cultures in Africa and Australia still practice the art of rock painting.