The Coso Range of eastern California, along the western edge of the Great Basin, is the location of a tremendous collection of Coso rock art. With a conservative estimate of more than 100,000 images this collection is attributed to the Coso people and has been dated as far back as the Little Lake Period (6000 to 2000 BC). The rock art here is unique in its detail and depictions of readily identified creatures and anthropomorphic figures.

Dr. Alan Garfinkel, considered a well-regarded authority on the Coso Range Rock Art traditions and Coso Region prehistory in general, joined us on August 29, 2024 for a virtual lecture to discuss this rock art, including a very unique panel found at The Archaeological Conservancy’s Portuguese Bench preserve. He discussed symbolic parallels between the Coso Range prehistoric rock art and Uto-Aztecan religious traditions found farther south and hear about studies that illuminate the significance of female figures in Coso rock art that were previously considered to be dominated by male representations. Dr. Garfinkel shared what he’s learned about attributes of individual images and the significance of some of the motifs, such as the inclusion of avian attributes (legs, feet, and feather adornments) and the presence of serpent-themed designs and images.

Dr. Alan Garfinkel is a California and Great Basin anthropologist/archaeologist principally known for his work with the indigenous people of the West and for his studies of Native American rock art in California and the Great Basin. He is recognized for his pioneering studies in the regional prehistory of eastern California, the far Southern Sierra Nevada, and southwestern Great Basin, has authored five books, 50 scientific articles, and is a two-time recipient of the California State Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. He received his Bachelor’s at California State University, Northridge, and his MA and Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis.