Jeffers petroglyphs: examining socioeconomic and cultural differences between late archaic and late prehistoric periods introduction

CONCLUSION

A comparative analysis of the rock carvings of the two periods, the Archaic and the Late Prehistoric, recorded in the Jeffers Petroglyphs with archaeological material suggests that changes in the subject matter of the images are proportional to changes in the economic, social, and cultural life of the communities in the area. Therefore, the petroglyphs of the Archaic period, consisting mainly of hunting tools and bison hunting scenes, the area's proximity to a water source and its location outside the settlements, make the hunting magic explanation suitable for this period.

Ethnographic records can be used to interpret Late Prehistoric rock carvings using the method of verification and refinement through archaeological data. In the Late Prehistoric Period, horticulture became an important food source and the importance of suitable natural conditions for growing plants increased. To control the forces of nature, such as rain, sun, storm, drought, religious leaders held ceremonies to communicate with the holy spirits. The thunderbird petroglyph, reflected in rock paintings, is also a visual depiction of one of these spirits. In addition, social stratification and inter-tribal armed conflicts are reflected in rock carvings in the form of bison-horn headdresses and battle scenes.