This is interpreted to be a Bear Clan symbol located on Panel 4 at the V bar V Heritage Site south of Sedona Arizona. It was created by Sinagua pre-historic Native Americans using the indirect percussion method of pecking. It is approximately 12 centimeters across. Note the development of lichen in various areas of the petroglyph.
This example is part of a monitoring study to determine the impact of removing a dead tree that was partially shielding the cliff wall from sunlight and therefore allowing the lichen to establish itself. There is a concern that removing the tree (for safety reasons) may result in the lichen dying and the rock surface degrading resulting in the destruction of the petroglyphs.
This example is being repeatedly modeled to evaluate change over time of the lichen.
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