Above: 1. Canyon wall, Warner Basin Uplands. 2. Original photo. 3&4. To reveal detail of this very faded rock painting, two enhanced versions (DStretch) with further modifications in Photos editor.
Observations & speculations. The shape of the stone commands attention, evokes a certain power essential to the placement of the painting's figure. Hands or paws may have been painted on this ghost-like figure in a different pigment, now disappeared. Or, perhaps the intent is approximately as we see in the enhanced images. The horizontal strokes may be ribs, or perhaps they represent cut marks. Whether the painting is gendered or sexualized, is a warning or invocation, is a spirit presence, all suggestive yet remain unknown ... in the fading...
The song that sang itself
had no time
knew no season
it sounded with the power of the end
— Suzan Shown Harjo from The Song Called "White Antelope’s Chant”
Blessed
are those who listen
when no one is left to speak.
— Linda Hogan from the poem Blessings
Both poets included in When The Light Of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through (2020), Joy Harjo, editor
