Petroglyphs are images created on rock surfaces by removing a portion of the rock surface, usually by chipping or scraping the rock face with a hard rock/tool.
Prehistoric rock art raises many questions and provides an opportunity for endless speculation. One such question revolves around the identity of those who produced it. Who were the people who had deliberately pecked their message in stone? Many theories have been put forth, ascribing the rock art to (take your choice) ancient Egyptian, Phoenician or Celtic wanderers, members of the “lost tribe of Israel” or even to extraterrestrial “space travelers.” Most scholars, however, agree that the rock art of North Carolina was produced by prehistoric Native Americans.
Another question often asked about prehistoric rock art is, “What does it mean?” Again, there is much speculation but little agreement. Universal meanings for rock art symbols seem to be lacking. Some people believe that rock art represents mere “doodling” with no real significance to the makers. However, the effort and skill needed to produce rock art suggests motivations more profound than boredom.
We cannot say for certain what rock art means; all we can do is make educated guesses. Nevertheless, speculating about the meaning of rock art is enjoyable and challenging; your interpretation may be as good as that of the experts.
As an artist, I often find the genesis of my work in phantasm, figment, vestige and illusions. A combination of these components colliding with petroglyphs creates a desire to connect with some ancient story that would be forever untold as they are uniquely surrounded by a rich complexion of possible translations.
Throughout my life and travels, I have always had a passion for ancient ruins and cultures. My first encounter with petroglyphs was while exploring off-road Utah and Arizona. I was totally enamored with the discovery of these ancient voices portrayed on rock faces found on the side of dusty roads in the middle of nowhere.
I found it incredible that there was no barrier between these relics and the elements of nature and vandalism. Faint as they were, due to erosion and age, they still spoke to me of this common desire within people to speak, to record, that which touches our lives. It was the voice of art that sung to me from the petroglyphs and awakened in me this passion of images and stories.
I returned from this trip torn between exploring this new passion of petroglyphs or continuing my artistic exploration of our new home state, North Carolina. It was because of these equally compelling artistic urges that I discovered Judaculla Rock, the large soapstone petroglyph boulder in the mountains of North Carolina.
Judaculla, or Tsl Kalu was, according to legend, a giant with supernatural powers and slanting eyes. Some interpretations of the glyphs have suggested they are site maps of Judaculla’s world, a map of western North Carolina or astronomical maps.
Due to significant erosion and the large number of glyphs, it is difficult to clearly see all of the images. My husband took numerous photographs and I did extensive drawings while visiting the rock, but a lot of my source of interpretation comes from a photograph from the 1930s, which depicts the rock with chalk filling the petroglyphs. It has allowed me to navigate the web of images with a clear point of reference.
In the years since I began this artistic series, steps have been taken to preserve this unique historical landmark by Jackson County and various other organizations. Kelly McCullen and UNC-TV made a short film on my petroglyph series while visiting ARTifex studio school and gallery.
Today, I am still continuing to paint, sculpt and explore more petroglyph-inspired images. This source seems endless with possibilities.
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To get to Judaculla Rock from U.S. 74, take exit 85 to Business Route 23 through Sylva. Stay on 23 1.3 miles to N.C. 107, then turn left. Drive 8 miles south on N.C. 107 and take a left onto Caney Fork Road, County Road 1737. Go 2.5 miles, then turn left onto a gravel road and drive .45 mile. The rock is on the right and parking is on the left.
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I am an artist who has been exploring several aspects of artistic expression through a series of mixed media paintings and sculpture inspired by the petroglyphs of Judaculla Rock outside of Sylva, in Jackson County.
My information has been gleaned from extensive reading on the Internet and personal observation of the rock. While I am not an archaeologist or a scientist, I have a natural attraction to this wonderful puzzle of ancient voices, which is believed to have the largest amount of petroglyph images east of the Mississippi.
Beverly S. Dickson, director of possibilities, ARTifex Studio, School & Gallery, 401 N. Main Street, Troy, N.C. 27371; facebook.com/theartifexstudio.