Toqima Cave petroglyphs and fence

Toqima Cave petroglyphs and fence. October, 2005. Toquima Cave is not really a cave, but a prehistoric rock shelter formed from volcanic rock. Over 300 independent images have been recorded in Toqima Cave, with two rock styles represented, the Great Basin curvilinear style (dots, circles and squiggles) and the rectilinear style (lines, chevrons and tally marks). Four different minerals were used to make pigments in Toquima Cave: Gypsum (the primary ingredient in plaster) was used for while; Hematite and Goethite (both iron oxides) for red and yellow pigments; and charcoal to produce black. A majority of pictographs in Toquima Cave are probably finger paintings, although it is possible that other applicators, including sticks, grasses, bones or feathers, may have been used. Dating petroglyphs is difficult, but at this site, using C14 dates range from 3500 BP to 2900 BP. A single Gatecliff style would indicate use between 5000 BP and 3330 BP, although no dating has been attempted on the rock art itself. Occupational deposits included 14 projectile points, 6000 flakes, groundstone, one incised stone, a bone awl, 23 bone beads and tubes, and wooden artifacts. Surrounding the site, there are prehistoric stone circles. In past years, individuals have hooked up chains to trucks to haul the fence down.