Petroglyphs | Ancient Rock Carvings

Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings created by pecking, hammering, or chipping away the surface of a rock to create an image or symbol. These carvings can be found on natural rock surfaces and are often created by removing the top layer of rock to reveal a different colored layer beneath. Petroglyphs are one of the oldest forms of human expression and communication, providing valuable insights into the cultures and societies that created them.

History of Petroglyph Painting

The history of petroglyphs dates back to the earliest days of human civilization, with some of the oldest known petroglyphs estimated to be over 40,000 years old. These ancient carvings are found on every inhabited continent and span a wide range of cultures and time periods. Petroglyphs have been used to document everything from daily life and hunting practices to religious beliefs and astronomical observations.

Origins

Petroglyphs likely originated as a means of communication before the advent of written language. Early humans used these carvings to convey information, tell stories, and mark significant locations. Over time, the practice of creating petroglyphs evolved and became more sophisticated, reflecting the changing needs and capabilities of the societies that produced them.

Major Architecture or Heritage Sites with Petroglyph Paintings

Several notable sites around the world are renowned for their petroglyphs. These sites provide valuable insights into ancient cultures and are often protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or national monuments.

1. Valcamonica, Italy

   Valcamonica, located in the Lombardy region of Italy, is home to one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the world. With over 140,000 symbols and figures carved into rock faces, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient peoples from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. The carvings depict a variety of scenes, including hunting, dancing, and religious rituals.

2. Petroglyph National Monument, USA

   Located in New Mexico, USA, Petroglyph National Monument protects a large collection of petroglyphs created by Native American and Spanish settlers. The site features over 25,000 images carved into volcanic rocks, many of which are believed to hold spiritual significance.

3. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, Azerbaijan

   The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, located in Azerbaijan, contains an extensive array of petroglyphs dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. These carvings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and various symbols, providing a rich record of prehistoric life in the region.

4. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, India

   The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in Madhya Pradesh, India, are home to numerous petroglyphs and rock paintings that date back to the Paleolithic era. These shelters, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a unique window into the lives of early humans in the Indian subcontinent.

5. Alta, Norway

   The rock carvings at Alta in Norway are some of the most significant examples of prehistoric petroglyphs in Scandinavia. Dating back to around 4200 BC, these carvings include depictions of humans, animals, boats, and various abstract patterns. The site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Norway.

Conclusion

Petroglyphs are an invaluable record of human history, providing insights into the lives, beliefs, and practices of ancient cultures. From the intricate carvings in Valcamonica to the spiritual symbols at Petroglyph National Monument, these ancient rock carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into our shared human heritage. Preserving these sites is crucial for future generations to appreciate and understand the rich tapestry of human history and cultural expression.

References

- Valcamonica: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Retrieved from [UNESCO](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/94/)

- Petroglyph National Monument: National Park Service. (n.d.). Retrieved from [NPS](https://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm)

- Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Retrieved from [UNESCO](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1076/)

- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters: Archaeological Survey of India. (n.d.). Retrieved from [ASI](https://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_rockart_bhimbetka.asp)

- Alta Rock Art: Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. (n.d.). Retrieved from [Riksantikvaren](https://www.riksantikvaren.no/en)

How to generate public URL for a blob or file in Azure Storage Container

Shared access signatures (SAS) offer a secure way to grant temporary access to specific resources within your storage account. SAS provides granular control over how clients interact with your data. This includes:

• Resource access: You can define which resources (blobs, files, queues, etc.) the client can access.
• Permission level: You can determine the level of permission granted to the client (read, write, delete, etc.).
• Validity period: You can set an expiration time for the SAS, ensuring access is only granted for a specific duration.

Below are the step by step guide to generate SAS token or URL in Azure. 

1. Go to storage browser, select the container or folder and got to the file for that you need a public accessible URL. Click on the options(...) of the file. Below is the screenshot for better clearity.
   
   
    
   
2. Now click on the Generate SAS (shared access signatures). This will open a popup model where we need to configure the SAS to generate the public URL.
   
   
   
   
3. After filling the Generate SAS form, simple click on Generate SAS token and URL. Once a user clcik on this, Blob SAS token or URL will be generated and populate below Generate SAS token and URL button from where you could can and share with your team or external users.

Hope this help you. Thank you!

How scientists study the composition of the Universe?

Scientists study the composition of the Universe using a variety of methods. Let’s explore a few:

Spectroscopy:

1. Astronomers use spectroscopy to determine the composition of stars, planets, and other celestial objects.
2. Instruments spread out light from an object into a spectrum based on wavelength.
3. By analyzing this spectrum, scientists identify the elements present in the object.

Multimessenger Astronomy:

1. Instead of relying on just one type of messenger (like light), scientists now combine information from different messengers.
2. These messengers include light, particles, and gravitational waves (ripples in space-time).
3. By using multiple messengers, astronomers gain deeper insights into cosmic phenomena.

Dark Matter and Dark Energy Research:

1. Most of the matter in the Universe is invisible (dark matter), and dark energy remains mysterious.
2. Observatories like NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) study dark matter.
3. The Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) charts galaxy distribution to understand dark energy.
4. Upcoming projects like the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will further our knowledge.