Painted pebbles were ovate, limestone river rocks found in and around cave sites of the Lower Pecos region. Because of their river origins, painted pebbles are classified as portable rock art in comparison to the considerable amount of cave wall art in the region.

The pebbles incorporate both geometric lines and anthropomorphic figures. The motifs are believed to be representations of feminine sexuality, birth and puberty.

Texas Archaeology Research Laboratory recently revised painted pebble chronology, noting a 2000 year gap between the first decorative series (early archaic) and six latter styles (late archaic to late prehistoric). The gap may be due to a lack of evidence from Middle Archaic sites or a momentary cultural shift in the region.

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More Lithic Art in Archaeology

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