Blythe Intaglios, A Photo Gallery
Intaglios are gigantic human, animal and geometric figures
on the ground surface. Intaglios are known from the American Southwest,
South America and New Caledonia. There are over 300 intaglios in
the American Southwest and adjacent Mexico. The best known of these
are the Blythe Intaglios, located west of the Colorado River about 15 miles
north of Blythe, California. The ground drawings are situated on
two low mesas or terraces. There are six figures in three locations.
The largest human figure measures 171 feet from head to toe. It is
accompanied by an amimal figure.
The pavement of mineral stained gravel is removed to create the drawings.
Intaglios are best viewed from the air.
Each of the three locations has one anthropomorph (human figure).
This figure and the large figure above are accompanied by a nearby animal
One of the two quadrapeds at the Blythe Intaglios. The figures
have been fenced to prevent damage.
One hand and the arm of the largest figure is shown in this view.
Each digit is discernable. Any mark made on the desert pavement will
be visible for centuries. Prehistoric trails are visible today.
Intaglios are very susceptible to damage. This arm of the largest
figure illustrates the damage caused by vehicle tires. If you visit
an intaglio remember that even footsteps can damage the figures.