Rampant Heraldic Lions (07-001-15Z05-H)

3D Model

This duo of heraldic lions is found on the Wells Petroglyph Preserve, but you won’t see it on any tour. The combination of one lion standing “ramping” and possibly lunging at or mounting the other is repeated in two other places on Mesa Prieta. Although derived from Spanish heraldry we believe these lions were most likely drawn by a Pueblo person. We can tell the heraldic origins of these designs which are distinct from Precontact Puebloan images because 1: the tails are long and curved in an “S” shape, 2: Their heads are facing forward and have an almost human face, 3: they are both wearing crowns, and 4: the lion on the left has a mane. Notice the prickly pears on the side of this boulder: these fostered cochineal, which was used to make vibrant dyes for centuries in Precontact times, and an important cash commodity later during the Spanish Colonial Period (after 1598).