If we could in imagination get inside the minds of ancient "artists" as they set to work we would probably find thoughts like these: (1) I have done a might deed, I want everyone to know about it; (2) this is our territory, I will post this notice to keep others out; (3) I must pay homage to my gods, I will create their images and ceremonies; (4) My clan and kin are the greatest — we claim this area as ours; (5) this animal is important to me I think about it a lot, I will draw its likeness; (6) I am bored, I will draw something to pass the time; (7) I have had a queer dream, maybe it is important, a picture will help me recall it; (8) My friends and I have had a great ceremony, I will record it; (9) I have returned from a long journey, I will try to show my pathway across the land; (10) My chief has asked me to go here and put up some signs along the trail. I will get it over with as soon as possible; (11) I have a new artistic design in mind, I will record it before I forget it.

From the thousands of objects and symbols we and others have observed we have assembled a number of groups with meanings that are relatively clear. These groups are presented alphabetically with brief comments in the following pages.

A word on definitions is in order. Anything depicted upon a stone surface is called a pictograph; it may be carved pecked, or painted. If the message is carved (or pecked) it is technically called a petroglyph. Some students, giving way to a logical impulse, refer to the pecked messages as pecktographs. This usage may or; may not come into general use.