ABOUT OUR NAME
Friends of Sierra Rock Art reflects our mission to protect Indigenous rock imagery and the cultural landscapes that hold these ancient teachings.
The name emphasizes stewardship, community, and respect for the people who created these remarkable expressions in stone.
Respecting Indigenous Heritage
We recognize that the term “rock art” is not preferred by many Native American communities, as it can suggest that these ancient markings were created simply as artwork. For the descendants of the region’s Indigenous peoples, these images are often spiritual, cultural, ceremonial, and ancestral expressions. Not art in the modern sense.
Friends of Sierra Rock Art was founded in 1990, when “rock art” was the commonly used archaeological term for petroglyphs and related imagery. While our organization’s name reflects that earlier terminology, our work today is guided by deep respect for Indigenous perspectives and a commitment to using more appropriate language whenever possible.
In our programs, publications, and educational materials, we strive to use terms such as petroglyphs, cultural sites, ancestral markings, or traditional expressions, unless a tribal community advises otherwise. We remain committed to listening, learning, and evolving as we work alongside Native communities and cultural specialists.
