Chumash Rock Art

Chumash rock art can be found throughout the mountains behind Santa Barbara, but their locations are guarded with secrecy.  However, the very best of these petroglyphs are available for the public to see.  They are located about two miles up on Painted Cave Road, just off Highway 154.  It is a steep, windy road to get there so be forewarned.  These beautiful abstract paintings, though, are absolutely worth the drive!

The symbols remain a mystery to scholars today.  They were probably drawn for religious purposes.  Indeed, the afternoon we visited them last week, a small offering had been placed before the cave.  Whatever supernatural beings they were intended for are still being sought after today. 

The paint pigments come from local minerals.  The red is from iron oxide or more commonly known as red ochre.  The white comes from diatomaceous earth, which can still be seen around the Lompoc area.  The black, of course, comes from charcoal or manganese oxide.  They were painted in the 1600's.

Painted Cave Road