J.T.A.H. Special Volume #6 – The Archaeology of Eagle Nest Canyon, Texas: Papers in Honor of Jack and Wilmuth Skiles, Mar 21, 2024
This article explores the profound influence of the Skiles family on rock art research in the Low... more This article explores the profound influence of the Skiles family on rock art research in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands, Texas. Through the provision of their property for research and educational purposes, the Skiles have facilitated significant advancements in the documentation and understanding of rock art in this region. The paper highlights the key contributions of the Skiles family, which began in the early 20th century and has continued to support academic and scientific inquiry into the diverse pictorial heritages found on their lands. The narrative recounts the instrumental roles of Jack and Wilmuth Skiles in promoting and hosting research initiatives, such as the pioneering watercolor reproductions by Forrest Kirkland and the systematic rock art documentation by Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center. It also discusses the designation of Eagle Nest Canyon as a contributing property to the National Historic Landmark status of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands Archaeological District. The paper provides insights into how familial stewardship of archaeological sites can profoundly affect the preservation of cultural heritage and advance the scientific study of ancient artistic expressions.
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database for future regional rock art studies.
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figures, identify regional variations, and establish its temporal relationship with other regional rock art styles of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas and Coahuila, Mexico. In 2013, Boyd et al. presented a list of diagnostic attributes for the Red Linear style, shedding light on the style's unique features. Additionally, they identified 38 Red Linear figures under the Pecos River style, suggesting that the Red Linear style as either older than or contemporaneous with the Pecos River style. Building on Boyd et al.'s foundation, this thesis incorporates anthropomorphic attributes from 15 additional Red Linear sites documented during Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center’s Alexandria Project, resulting in a comprehensive list of 614 Red Linear anthropomorphs across 25 sites. Statistical and geospatial analyses were employed to discern patterns of regional variation within the Red Linear style. To pinpoint the chronological context of the Red Linear style, I selected seven anthropomorphs with clear diagnostic Red Linear attributes for radiocarbon dating. Results derived from these figures position the Red Linear style between 4830±35 and 4275±35 RCYBP. These findings bolster Boyd et al.'s conclusions, offering an enriched understanding through absolute dating methods, pivotal for subsequent research endeavors in the region.
database for future regional rock art studies.
figures, identify regional variations, and establish its temporal relationship with other regional rock art styles of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas and Coahuila, Mexico. In 2013, Boyd et al. presented a list of diagnostic attributes for the Red Linear style, shedding light on the style's unique features. Additionally, they identified 38 Red Linear figures under the Pecos River style, suggesting that the Red Linear style as either older than or contemporaneous with the Pecos River style. Building on Boyd et al.'s foundation, this thesis incorporates anthropomorphic attributes from 15 additional Red Linear sites documented during Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center’s Alexandria Project, resulting in a comprehensive list of 614 Red Linear anthropomorphs across 25 sites. Statistical and geospatial analyses were employed to discern patterns of regional variation within the Red Linear style. To pinpoint the chronological context of the Red Linear style, I selected seven anthropomorphs with clear diagnostic Red Linear attributes for radiocarbon dating. Results derived from these figures position the Red Linear style between 4830±35 and 4275±35 RCYBP. These findings bolster Boyd et al.'s conclusions, offering an enriched understanding through absolute dating methods, pivotal for subsequent research endeavors in the region.