About this episode

Dr. Alan Garfinkel discusses the cosmological meanings of a Coso rock art panel and its symbolic elements.

In episode 166, Dr. Alan Garfinkel continues his discussion of a major Coso rock art panel, focusing on recurring symbolic elements and their possible cosmological meanings. He examines prominent figures depicted with snakes and distinctive staff-like wands, drawing on insights from researcher Bernard Jones and Hopi ceremonial traditions to explore connections between rock art, the winter solstice, and beliefs about maintaining cosmic balance. Alan discusses Indigenous concepts of the sun and moon as opposing yet complementary forces, including Nahua and broader Uto-Aztecan traditions that explain celestial cycles through mythic conflict and renewal.

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Alan Garfinkel

Topics covered

• rock art
• cosmology
• Indigenous beliefs
• celestial cycles
• symbolism

Keywords

• Coso rock art
• symbolic elements
• cosmic balance
• winter solstice
• Hopi traditions

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hopi, Nahua, Uto-Aztecan

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• The Rock Art of India with Dr. Meenakshi Dubey-Pathak - Ep 165 · May 22, 2026 · 47 min

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