In this
slideshow I have put my
favorite images and
enhancements from the ceiling of San Borjitas. I
didn't
have
much time to
photograph in January 2010. Nevertheless when I saw the
enhancements I was
amazed. The enhancements have beautiful colors
(thanks to DStretch and thanks to the late afternoon winter light) and
reveal fascinating details of the
paintings. In the slideshow I give some
commentary about what I see in the
images, but I want to emphasize that it is the images that are
important. That being said, my study of San Borjitas convinces me
that there is meaning in the design and arrangement of the
figures. Too bad we don't know what that meaning is, but maybe
careful study can give some clues.
Some
of the terms I use to describe the figures (i.e. mono = human figure)
may seem unfamiliar. To learn more about this fascinating art
read Harry
Crosby's The Cave Paintings of Baja
California. Better yet come
to Baja
California and visit the sites. Cueva San Borjita is north of
Mulege
in the Sierra de Guadalupe. The most famous
sites are in the Sierra
de San Francisco north of the beautiful town of San Ignacio in Baja
California
Sur.
INAH, the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History has
the responsibility
to preserve and protect the sites. Please obey the INAH rules.
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