Ancient rock paintings in California, east of Sierra are constantly destructive
Volcanic rocks outside the bishop of Sera, which were carved into the volcanic rocks, were recently damaged by vandals, and federal authorities hope to bring illegal acts to justice.
The U.S. Land Administration will offer a $1,500 reward to learn about the people responsible for damaging the rock panels on the 36,000-acre volcanic platform in the Owens Valley. The carvings depict the bighorn sheep, a circle split into two, and at a location a miner sways a pickup.
“Those responsible have destroyed an irreplaceable part of our nation’s cultural heritage,” Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius said in a statement. “We have increased surveillance of the website and are determined to bring responsible parties to justice.”
According to officials, the destructors damaged rock poems at three sites on the Rock Art Site, which are protected by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and listed on the National Historic Spots List. Violation of federal law could lead to felony charges, with first-time offenders fines up to $20,000 and up to two years in prison.
There is no immediate information about the damage. Officials shared images of what appeared to be a rocky face in the ritual venue.
Petrography can be found on volcanic tuff formations formed 760,000 years ago, when large eruptions released hot ash that settled in the area. According to the Land Administration, the Indians of Paiute-Shoshone then shattered on the Red Pumice Stone, which exposed the lighter rock minerals below.
These carvings are considered sacred sites of the tribe, but this is not the first time people have experienced and disturbed the area.
In 2008, Cal State Northridge paid more than $25,000 to resolve a case involving unauthorized drilling that carried dozens of holes in federal land.
In 2021, Caltech agreed to pay more than $25,000 to the Department of the Interior to cover the repair damage caused by faculty, teachers and students about three feet high from Rock Poetry. Earth scientists left 29 1-inch diameter holes marked with blue paint, and Galt’s technology apologized for the mistake.
Anyone with information about the recent breach can contact Wetip via (800) 78-Crime (782-7463) or report online at www.wetip.com.
