Antropomorph with crenelated arch #1
Dr. Carolyn E. Boyd who happens to be a patient and friend of mine in her landmark work "Rock Art of the Lower Pecos" was able to establish a knowledge of the meaning of this ancient rockart and compared it to other similar "Ancient Cultures"around the world. One main feature in all shamanism is the use of trance state (via drums, music, dance, starvation, hypnosis or hallucinogenic drugs) to pass from the physical world to the spiritual "Otherworld". Several features distinguish this. One being the skeletonized body (central portion of the body is colorless). Another is the use of crenelated arches (waveylines). Often there are parallel lines either to the side or above that represent the vortex or tunnel they must pass through to get to the light or spirit world. In this piclograph the center or top of the arch is the portal (axis mundi) though which the shaman passes to get to the other world.
© Emile Abbott
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