Snakes, found all over this arid land, represent where to find water, says Moore. Horned snakes are water gods. Birds flying up into the sky, often into clouds, may represent prayers for rain. Moore doesn't think the images represent writing. Although they are not writing, they are intended as communication.
Some petroglyphs are undoubtedly of a sacred nature.
But not all are serious. One only has to view the goofy grin on the face of Kokopelli in Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico to know that, says Van Ness. When viewing rock art, don't just look at the drawings themselves, Moore suggests. The site is part of the art, part of the meaning. Visitors often ask park rangers and site interpreters who among the ancient tribes created the petroglyphs.