Time Does Not Heal All: Observable Deterioration in the Rock Art of Seminole Watering Hole (41VV72)

**This blog is based on the poster presented by Hailey LaRock and Caitlin Houle at the 2018 Texas Archeological Society Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, titled: “Time Does Not Heal All: Observable Deterioration in the Rock Art of Seminole Watering Hole.” A PDF version of the poster is available at the bottom of this blog post.**

By Hailey LaRock, Caitlin Houle, and Charles Koenig

Seminole Watering Hole (41VV72) is a multi-component site located within Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. The largest feature at Seminole Watering Hole is a massive rockshelter containing an elaborate, but deteriorated, mural of Red Monochrome Style rock art. In the 1930s Forrest Kirkland was one of the first to document rock art when he visited Seminole Watering Hole and produced watercolor renderings of the pictographs (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967). Kirkland called the Red Monochrome figures “Val Verde Flooded Shelter Style,” and Kirkland describes the images being in poor condition in the 1930s (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:83).

View of Seminole Watering Hole looking upstream into the rockshelter.

Even though the images were deteriorated, Kirkland was able to reproduce dozens of human, animal, and enigmatic figures spanning nearly the entirety of the shelter wall. In the proceeding years since Kirkland’s documentation his renderings have served as the primary record of the Red Monochrome pictographs preserved at Seminole Watering Hole. Shumla documented Seminole Watering Hole in 2018, and we were interested in assessing how much the pictographs had deteriorated since Kirkland produced his watercolor renderings. Using gigapanoramas and DStretch enhancements, we are able to identify imagery Kirkland illustrated that is no longer visible, and begin assessing how much the rock art at Seminole Watering Hole has deteriorated in the past 90 years.

Panorama looking out of Seminole Watering Hole. Notice the spring-fed pool in the upstream (left) side of the image. There is another spring-fed pool in the downstream end of the site near the large boulders in the right side of the image.

Red Monochrome

Seminole Watering Hole is one of the two type-sites for Red Monochrome Style pictographs (the other being Painted Shelter [VV78]). This style is defined by realistically portrayed anthropomorphs frontally posed, typically depicted in a “hands-up” position with splayed digits and bent elbows (Turpin 1986). Anthropomorphs are drawn more realistically and with less adornment than the more common Pecos River Style figures. Typically Red Monochrome figures are painted solely with red paint, but there are some possible examples of yellow paints (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:83). Some figures are seen wielding bows, digging sticks, and knives. Due to the presence of bows, we can determine that Red Monochrome dates to the Late Prehistoric period (after ~A.D. 1000) in the Lower Pecos. There has been one radiocarbon date on a figure that is similar to Red Monochrome Style that resulted in an age of 1315 ±50 RCYBP (Ilger et al. 1995:Table 2). Red Monochrome also exhibits a larger variety of distinct zoomorphs than other pictographs styles in the region, such as canines, turkeys, fish, rabbits, deer, and felines.

Classic Red Monochrome anthropomorphs from Painted Shelter (41VV78) as seen in real-color (left) and DStretch CRGB enhancement (right) The two anthropomorphs are wielding a bow (figure on right) and probable knife (figure on left).
Classic Red Monochrome anthropomorph from Painted Shelter (41VV78) as seen in real-color (left) and DStretch CRGB enhancement (right). This anthropomorph appears to be female, and is depicted with hair buns and a dress.
Examples of Red Monochrome zoomorphs from Painted Shelter (41VV78) enhanced with DStretch CRGB color channel.

Alexandria Documentation

In 2018 Shumla documented the rock art at Seminole Watering Hole as part of The Alexandria Project. Due to the poor preservation, coupled with the large extent of the panel, Seminole Watering Hole was one of the more challenging sites documented thus far on the Alexandria Project. The first step was to match up Kirkland’s renderings with what we could observe in the field. This was made more difficult because Kirkland did not include any of the historic railroad or ranching graffiti, which are the most prominent images at the site.

The Shumla research team pondering the poorly-preserved pictographs at Seminole Watering Hole.

Once we identified the extent of each of Kirkland’s renderings, the next step was to produce gigapanoramas (gigapans) and a 3D model of the rock art panel. We were able to produce a single 3D model of the entire pictograph panel, but because the pictographs at Seminole Watering Hole are so extensive, we divided the panel into 12 different gigapan sections (Sections 1-12). The gigapan sections begin on the downstream end and moving upstream (panel-right). Each one of these sections received an individual gigapan, and each gigpan was subsequently enhanced using DStretch.

<div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper"><iframe width="640" height="480" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/3952f45a19c848148da80f02e636c7bc/embed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; vr" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; color: #4A4A4A;"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <a href="https://sketchfab.com/models/3952f45a19c848148da80f02e636c7bc?utm_medium=embed&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=share-popup" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold; color: #1CAAD9;">41VV72 - Seminole Watering Hole</a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> by <a href="https://sketchfab.com/shumlaarchaeologicalcenter?utm_medium=embed&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=share-popup" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold; color: #1CAAD9;">Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center</a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> on <a href="https://sketchfab.com?utm_medium=embed&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=share-popup" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold; color: #1CAAD9;">Sketchfab</a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></div>

To manipulate the 3D model:

  • Click on the “Play” symbol in the center of the image.
  • Use the scroll-wheel on the mouse to zoom in and out.
  • Left-click and hold to rotate the model around the mouse cursor.
  • Right-click and drag to re-position the model.

In the bottom-right corner are two opposing arrows. Click these arrows to make the 3D model full-screen.

Gigapanoramas

The 12 gigapan sections span the entire length of the shelter wall, and are shown below in real-color and DStretch versions (click on the photographs to make the images larger, and then click through to the different enhancements). The full-resolution gigapan images are accessible from our GigaPan profile (click here). For comparison, Kirkland’s watercolor images are provided. The letters (A-W) show the locations of the same figures in Kirkland’s watercolors and Shumla gigapans.

Sections 1 and 2 are on the far downstream end of the site, and are outside of the true rockshelter. These sections were not illustrated by Kirkland, likely because there is very little preserved imagery. Section 3 is the first area within the rockshelter, and although paint is visible, it is very difficult to discern. The preservation improves after Section 3.

Plan map of Seminole Watering hole showing the locations of the 12 different sections within Panel 1.

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Gigapan Section 1 in real-color.
DStretch CRGB enhancement of Gigapan Section 1.
Gigapan Section 2 in real-color.
DStretch LAB enhancement of gigapan Section 2.
Gigapan Section 3 in real-color.
DStretch RGB enhancement of gigapan Section 3.

Kirkland’s Rendering No. 1 and Gigapan Section 4

Kirkland’s rendering No. 1 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 43) includes images on the downstream end of the shelter interior. The letters in the rendering correspond to the same figures in the Section 4 gigapanorama.

Kirkland's rendering No. 1. Image courtesy Texas Archeological Research Laboratory.

Section 4

Figure A

Figure B

Gigapan Section 4 in real-color.
DStretch LRE enhancement of gigapan Section 4.
DStretch YBK enhancement of gigapan Section 4.
Kirkland illustrated this long-legged zoomorph (Figure A) in the 1930s.
The long-legged zoomorph (Figure A) in real-color as documented in 2018.
DStretch YBK enhancement of Figure A.
A Red Monochrome anthropomorph (Figure B) Kirkland illustrated with a possible elbow adornment and phallus.
Real-color image of Figure B as photographed in 2018.
DStretch YBK enhancement of Figure B.

Kirkland’s Rendering No. 2 and Gigapan Section 5

Kirkland’s rendering No. 2 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 44) includes images on the downstream end of the shelter interior, including a horizontally-oriented anthropomorphic figure. The letters in the rendering correspond to the same figures in the Section 4 and Section 5 gigapanoramas.

Kirkland's rendering No. 2 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 44).
Gigapan Section 5 in real-color.
DStretch RGB enhancement of gigapan Section 5.
DStretch YBK enhancement of gigapan Section 5.

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

A Red Monochrome anthropomorph with up-raised arms (Figure C) as illustrated by Kirkland.
Red Monochrome anthropomorph with up-raised arms (Figure C) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch YBK enhancement of Figure C.
Horizontally oriented Red Monochrome anthropomorph (Figure D) as illustrated by Kirkland.
Horizontally oriented Red Monochrome (Figure D) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure D.
Red Monochrome anthropomorph (Figure E) as illustrated by Kirkland.
Red Monochrome anthropomorph (Figure E) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch YBK enhancement of Figure E.
A rectangular-shaped enigmatic figure, presumably Red Monochrome, (Figure F) as illustrated by Kirkland.
The rectangular enigmatic shape (Figure F) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch YBK enhancement of Figure F.

Kirkland’s Rendering No. 3 and Gigapan Section 5a

Kirkland’s rendering No. 3 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 45) includes images in the central portion of the rockshelter. The letters in the rendering correspond to the same figures in the Section 5 and Section 5a gigapanoramas.

Kirkland's rendering No. 3 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 45).

Section 5a

Figure G

Figure H

Gigapan Section 5a in real-color.
DStretch YBK enhancement of gigapan Section 5a.
A curved, hash-marked enigmatic figure framing two "jumping" zoomorphs (Figure G) as illustrated by Kirkland.
The enigmatic arch and "jumping" zoomorphs (Figure G) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure G.
The circle-shaped enigmatic with cross-shapes (Figure H) as illustrated by Kirkland.
The circle-shaped enigmatic with cross-shapes (Figure H) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure H.

Kirkland’s Rendering No. 4 and Gigapan Section 6.

Kirkland’s rendering No. 4 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 46) includes better-preserved imagery, including one of two bow-wielding figures at the site. The letters in the rendering correspond to the same figures in the Section 6 gigapanorama.

Kirkland's rendering No. 4 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 46).
Gigapan Section 6 in real-color.
DStretch LRE enhancement of gigapan Section 6.
DStretch YBK enhancement of gigapan Section 6.

Figure I

Figure J

Figure K

Red Monochrome anthropomorph wielding a bow and "shooting" at several zoomorphs (Figure I) as illustrated by Kirkland.
Red Monochrome anthropomorph wielding a bow and "shooting" at several zoomorphs (Figure I) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure I.
A hash-mark enigmatic (Figure J) as illustrated by Kirkland.
The hash-mark enigmatic (Figure J) as photographed in 2018).
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure J.
A Red Monochrome anthropomorph and a triangle-shaped enigmatic (Figure K) as illustrated by Kirkland.
The Red Monochrome anthropomorph and triangle-shaped enigmatic (Figure K) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure K.

Kirkland’s Rendering No. 5 and Gigapan Section 7

Kirkland’s rendering No. 5 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 43) includes some of the better-preserved imagery at Seminole Watering Hole. The letters in the rendering correspond to the same figures in the Section 7 and Section 8 gigapanoramas.

Kirkland's rendering No. 5. Image courtesy Texas Archeological Research Laboratory.
Gigapan Section 7 in real-color.
DStretch LRE enhancement of gigapan Section 7.
DStretch YBK enhancement of gigapan Section 7.

Figure L

Figure M

Figure N

Red Monochrome anthropomorph with two circle enigmatics (Figure L) as illustrated by Kirkland.
A Red Monochrome anthropomorph and circle enigmatics (Figure L) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure L.
A large cluster of hand prints (Figure M) as illustrated by Kirkland.
A large cluster of hand prints (Figure M) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure M.
Large, triangle-shaped enigmatics (Figure N) as illustrated by Kirkland.
Large, triangle-shaped enigmatics (Figure N) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure N.

Kirkland’s Rendering No. 6 and Gigapan Sections 8 and 9

Kirkland’s rendering No. 6 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 44) includes the second bow-wielding figure on the upstream end of the shelter. The letters in the rendering correspond to the same figures in the Section 8 and Section 9 gigapanoramas.

Kirkland's rendering No. 6 (Kirkand and Newcomb 1967:Plate 44).

Section 8

Section 9

Gigapan Section 8 in real-color.
DStretch LRE enhancement of gigapan Section 8.
DStretch YBR enhancement of gigapan Section 8.
Gigapan Section 9 in real-color.
DStretch LRE enhancement of gigapan Section 9.
DStretch LAB enhancement of gigapan Section 9.

Figure O

Figure P

Figures Q, R, and S

Large deer-like quadruped (Figure O) as illustrated by Kirkland.
Large, deer-like quadruped (Figure O) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure O.
A Red Monochrome anthropomorph in association with several enigmatic and zoomorphic figures (Figure P) as illustrated by Kirkland.
A Red Monochrome anthropomorph and several enigmatic and zoomorphic figures (Figure P) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure P. This enhancement shows the Red Monochrome is wielding a bow, and "shooting" at rabbit-like zoomorphs, very similar to Figure I.
Three large Red Monochrome anthropomorphs (Figures Q, R, and S) as illustrated by Kirkland.
Three large Red Monochrome anthropomorphs (Figures Q, R, and S) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figures Q, R, and S.

Kirkland’s Rendering No. 7 and Gigapan Section 10

Kirkland’s rendering No. 7 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 45) was the last section of figure’s Kirkland included in his renderings. These figures are virtually invisible without the assistance of DStretch. The letters in the rendering correspond to the same figures in the Section 9 and Section 10 gigapanoramas.

Kirkland's rendering No. 7 (Kirkland and Newcomb 1967:Plate 45).

Section 10

Figure T

Figures U, V, and W

Gigapan Section 10 in real-color.
DStretch YDS enhancement of gigapan Section 10.
A Red Monochrome anthropomorph adjacent to a quadruped (Figure T) as illustrated by Kirkland.
A Red Monochrome anthropomorph adjacent to a quadruped (Figure T) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figure T.
Three adjacent Red Monochrome anthropomorphs (Figures U, V, and W) as illustrated by Kirkland.
Three adjacent Red Monochrome anthropomorphs (Figures U, V, and W) as photographed in 2018.
DStretch LRE enhancement of Figures U, V, and W.

Sections 11 and 12

Sections 11 and 12 are on the far upstream end of Seminole Watering Hole. Kirkland did not include these areas in his watercolor renderings. The lone red anthropomorph within Section 12 is the best-preserved painted figure in the entire shelter.

Section 11

Section 12

Gigapan Section 11 in real-color.
DStretch LRE enhancement of gigapan Section 11.
Gigapan Section 12 in real-color.
DStretch CRGB enhancement of gigapan Section 12.

Discussion

Many of the pictographs at Seminole Watering Hole are nearly impossible to see in the field. In fact, the only way we were able to identify the locations of many of the figures illustrated by Kirkland was to DStretch the gigapans in the lab. Although paint is still preserved in the areas where Kirkland illustrated many figures, we were unable to make out many of the finer details illustrated by Kirkland (see Figures U, V, and W above). In several cases, portions of figures Kirkland illustrated are completely gone (see Figures K and T above). However, in one instance (Figure P), we were able to identify attributes that Kirkland did not fully recognize during his documentation.

 

The Shumla research team at Seminole Watering Hole.

By comparing Kirkland’s renderings to the figures still discernible in the gigapans, we estimate that less than 50% of the figures/motifs Kirkland illustrated are still preserved to the same level of detail Kirkland documented. In just under 90 years the rock art at Seminole Watering Hole has experienced rapid degradation likely due to a combination of flooding, spring activity within the site, and lichen growth on the shelter wall. Continued documentation of endangered sites, like Seminole Watering Hole, is a vital goal of the Alexandria Project so that we can digitally preserve what is left for future study and education.

***A PDF version of the TAS poster presented by Hailey and Caitlin is available here**

References Cited

Ilger, Wayne, Marian Hyman, John Southon, and Marvin Rowe. 1995 Dating Pictographs with Radiocarbon. Radiocarbon 37(2):299-310.

Kirkland, Forrest and W.W. Newcomb, Jr. 1967 The Rock Art of Texas Indians. University of Texas Press, Austin.

Turpin, Solveig A. 1986 Pictographs of the Red Monochrome Style in the Lower Pecos River Region, Texas. Bulletin of the Texas Archeological Society 55:123-144.

1 Comment

  1. Kelly Timmons on December 31, 2018 at 1:27 am

    I am absolutely amazed at the capabilities this “blog” contains. Using the 3 dot format on the photos is excellent. Great work with the D-stretch and pulling the right hues to expose the hidden secrets. I will use this to prepare for the next Upper Canyon Tour. I will be able to locate much more than the 3 figures beneath CM Cabe. I had no idea the technology could be this user friendly. Fascinating to see how much remains of the pictographs Kirkland documented. Keep up the incredible work and I look forward to reading all your blogs!