Tracing Time: Seasons of Rock Art on the Colorado Plateau

by Craig Childs

"An engaging glimpse into a world both fascinating and fundamentally unknowable to those who aren't born into it."
—R. E. BURRILLO, author of  Behind the Bears Ears

Craig Childs bears witness to rock art of the Colorado Plateau —bighorn sheep pecked behind boulders, tiny spirals in stone, human figures with upraised arms shifting with the desert light, each one a portal to the open mouth of time. With a spirit of generosity, humility, and love of the arid, intricate landscapes of the desert Southwest, Childs sets these ancient communications in context, inviting readers to look and listen deeply.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Essays, Nature, Art, Indigenous

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2022

About the author

CRAIG CHILDS is a commentator for NPR's Morning Edition, and his work has appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Men's Journal, Outside, The Sun, and Orion. He has won numerous awards including the 2011 Ellen Meloy Desert Writers Award, 2008 Rowell Award for the Art of Adventure, the 2007 Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award, and the 2003 Spirit of the West Award for his body of work.

Reviews

[Kadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think of Craig Childs as a reverent mountain goat - an enthusiastic time traveler who leads the way into the canyon on careful hooves, seeking hidden messages, using words and flute music to summon the past to life. Although he is careful with what he reveals about specific locations, his descriptions of rock art sites in the four corners region are nonetheless rich and evocative. This is another great book by Childs, successfully striking the balance between interpretation and the pursuit of knowledge and honoring the great unknown.

[Rebecca Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. One of Childs' best. I now understand more about a piece of art I recently purchased in New Mexico that depicts the "Floating" people, or as the artist calls them, "Guardians". I also understand the spiral that adorns that piece. I appreciated how the author wove in his experience researching and writing this book during the pandemic. That is an experience we all shared.

[Alan Razee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, I enjoy being immersed in these Colorado Plateau landscapes. And of course I enjoy reading about them.

Reading Childs’ prose is effortless & easy-going in a way that mimics moving easily (breezily?) thru the desert landscapes.

Plus, I like his descriptions of color in terms of food. Caramel sunlight? Yes, please.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more a meditation on experiencing rock art, or pounded symbols, as the Hopi word translates in situ. Childs as always had a some very interesting observations and the ability to take you to a specific place and time. I didn't think it was his best work - it felt a little churned out but still a valuable read for anyone who interacts with the symbols left on the landscape by those who went before.

[brinley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to give this an honest shot because I've enjoyed Childs' other books, but I felt uneasy about reading a book written by a white man that covers Indigenous history and spirituality, and after having read it, I still feel uncomfortable about it. I don't think any of his self-awareness of that not being his place excuses the fact that he still published a whole book about it.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve yet to read a mediocre book by Chris Childs

[Steve Sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful read. Didn’t know the vast amount of such rocked creations. Wished for more pictures of the pictographs and petroglyphs described, or drawings, but Childs’ apt use of words, detail, and care mostly sufficed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful. Really want to road trip after reading this.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while ferreting out rock art in the San Rafael Swell. Thank you for writing this book, Craig.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hang out with a couple of rock art fanatics. I am happy to tag along on their adventures because I love the settings where rock art can be found. I love the way the sun lights up the reds, oranges, tans and pinks of the rocks. I love the pools and patterns of water and how they shape the landscape. I love maiden hair ferns tucked into tiny crevices and the juniper trees growing in the most unlikely places. And while they're not my first love, the petroglyphs are cool too- especially the kind that have some type of celestial alignment. The ancient tracking of light is something I can relate to- even now I trace the light as it moves across my windows and changes throughout the seasons.

This was a good book that got better as it went along. It lightly touches on the history of the people who made the art and some speculative guesses as to what the heck it means. Childs explains how the figures and symbols that seem simple and rudimentary to our eyes carry deep meaning for the ancient communities. This book has that same sense of mystery, reverence and awe you feel when you're standing in the remnants of one of the ancient cliff dwellings. There are more questions than answers and you know very well that you are a temporary visitor and it's best to leave it as you found it.

[Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Craig Child's writing. He intersperses his actual visits to rock art sites with various experts' research, along with his personal philosophy and observations of the surrounding area.
I have been on a journey this year through the theme of caves and cave art, starting with "Land of Painted Caves" by Jean Auel. In that book, the author has the priestess vocalize or play an instrument in a cave, and based on the resonance is able to find where ancient people painted the rocks. Indeed, in Child's book, there is one instance where he wonders why the art was painted/pecked on the rock in a certain alcove. He brought out his flute and played it. He found that the echo from the surrounding cliffs bounced back to him as though in an amphitheater. There are other instances that I have read of this phenomenon that leads one to the rock art. I found it a validation of that practice.
Many times I felt that I was reading prose with his beautiful language. Other times I felt that I was getting an insight into ancient peoples and a kinship with them, since I appreciate the southwest.

[Jim Collett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a regular reader of Craig Childs, having enjoyed several of his previous books. When I saw copies of this book on a journey to southwestern archaeological sites, I knew I wanted a copy. That, along with my love of rock art. I knew Childs often wrote more as an essayist (philosopher?) than detailed factual accounts, yet I guess I expected a bit more from this book. For example, there are some nice sketches of rock art, but no photographs or drawings. It is really more an account of visits to sites during the pandemic and the effect that had on Childs and the region he often visits. He also tries to give the reader a sense of how one might approach this art or attempt to discern what it meant to those who made it (and the Native Americans who now visit it). So, I guess, in its own way, it is a nice addition to go with those book that provide detailed images of actual sites.

[Corey Folsom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorite books! I enjoyed every page of this book and the writing just got better and better. I devoured this book and was sorry to reach the end. So, I re-read sections aloud to my girlfriend.

I will re-read some chapters of this book as the concepts and intricacies are worth absorbing. The author skillfully balances academic and spiritual outlooks and the way he describes and contextualizes the landscape (that I also know intimately well) is exceptionally insightful and respectful.

I love that the author didn’t reveal exact place names (except for one) as these are special places that suffer degradation when visited by too many people. This book is an instant classic and I give it exceptionally high marks.

[Emma Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. This is only the second book I've read by Craig Childs, and I still plan on reading The Secret Knowledge of Water, but this makes me more apprehensive of his recent works. I found it pretentious at times, and while he recognized his role as a white man in the desert southwest speaking to indigenous histories, this recognition did not keep him from speculating about works and claiming places that he has no right to own. It felt like some cognitive dissonance, as he would say that as an outsider he can never know the meaning of rock art, but he still had 220 pages to write about it? I dunno man

[Kevin DaVee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first encountered Childs via The Secret Knowledge of Water and The Soul of Nowhere. I remember being captivated. I've read most if not all of his books and enjoyed them, however the voice in this work seems to be a more mature and possibly more at peace author returning to those roots. This current work, for me, felt like going back in time although it is in no way dated. This is especially evident when Childs moves with subtle grace between experience of the pandemic and ancient settings. I appreciate him as a guide.

[Ryan G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig Childs did it again. His writing is so beautiful and so informative. He makes you feel like you're exploring the southwest alongside him. As a fellow rock art enthusiast I couldn't get enough of this little book and reread it as soon as I finished it. Whenever I'm home sick for red rock desert I pick this book up and open any random page.

The COVID lockdown setting felt kinda grading and obnoxious when I started my first read through, but it so perfectly highlights this book's themes of time and stillness.

[Lucydad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written description of various First Nation petroglyph sites...from around my home 4-corners. I have read other books by Childs, and he is excellent. This book was recommended by Maria's Bookshop in Durango, CO. I have been to a few of the described localities including Chaco, Mesa Verde and Chimney Rock. The accompanying art is outstanding also. My only criticism is perhaps Childs meandering style of writing and context on geology and time.

[Jessie Herr · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I love Childs phasing, how he constructs a word picture of an ancient world, how well he communicates scientific/ethnic interpretations and discoveries to an interested lay person, And his entertaining adventures in his relentless search for ancient messages emerging from remote southwestern rocks and canyon walls.

[Carol Candleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read written by Craig Childs and I am hooked. This was also the first book I read about Rock Art and I am thankful to have been gifted this book. The author's' knowledge on the subject is vast, but what I love more than anything, is the humility and respect that he exemplifies while visiting sties, and sharing his knowledge.

[James Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye Opening and Thought Provoking

I have looked on petroglyphs and pictographs and not been deeply moved. This written biographical sketch has provided windows into the past represented by these mysterious works on rock. I will see with new eyes when I next encounter one.

[Lorraine McCleary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craig Child's explores the rock art of the Four Corners area during the pandemic years trying to analyze them with the input of Native Americans and friends. A thoughtful look at Indigenous rock art and pre colonial life.

[Ian Billick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Childs never disappoints. He brings to life whatever he is writing about. I don’t know whether it is because he is a high priest of my chosen landscape or he is just a great writer who could speak to anybody, but he brings the landscape and its people alive for me.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some intriguing perspectives, some not so much

[James Easterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read most of Craig Child’s books, some are excellent, other a bit disappointing. His best is “The Secret Knowledge of Water” and his close second is “Atlas of a Lost World “. This one just ok.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and was disappointed when it ended.

[Diane Winger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Childs illuminates his topic with marvelous prose and fascinating insights. If you have any curiosity at all about rock art in the Southwest, this book is a must.

[Sarah F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting!

[Erika Marrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational, insightful, and sparking wonder throughout.

[Maggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

colorado author.
guided through information as if i was on these hikes in a group, trying to gather and reflect meanings.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting and prose that often turns quite poetic. Some of the passages are so, so beautifully written.