Spanish Heraldic Lion (07_001_12Z05_AM1)

3D Model

Renderings of Heraldic Lions are unique to Mesa Prieta’s rock arts, and this is the largest known example of the motif. It is somewhat different from other heraldic lions on Mesa Prieta because it is executed in a strongly indigenous style (known as the Rio Grande Style). Like many images of animals on the Mesa, the legs are vertical, the body is rectangular and simple, the the tail mostly straight. Yet, there are cues that tell us this is still inspired by heraldic designs: the head faces forward (most animals face to the side), it sports a distinctive mane, and the feet are digitate (meaning they have toes). These are all qualities of heraldic lions that are not seen in other animal images at Mesa Prieta.