MODULE 2 - REFLECTIONS ON CHAPTERS 1 - 4

MODULE 2 - REFLECTIONS ON CHAPTERS 1 - 4

Meggs' History of Graphic Design (2016) first four chapters details how text and the alphabet has evolved from cave painting pictures to the creation of the alphabet to medieval bound books. Within these chapters was brief discussion of petroglyphs, which I have always had a fascination with. 

Petroglyphs are rock carvings or pictographs that early humans used to communicate stories, myths, messages to each other, educate future generations, may have been utilized for religious reasons, etc. They were, however, not considered to be art for the sake of art.

So, why am I so intrigued by petroglyphs?    

I live in Petersburg, Alaska and on our very own local beach is a series of ancient petroglyphs carved by the local Tlingit tribe into massive boulders that have sat on that very beach for thousands of years. The future generations of these tribal members still live in our community today and many of the traditions that have been passed on that began with these petroglyphs are still told through oral tradition today. It is unbelievable to think that these ancient people roamed within our very woods, created fish traps on that very beach, and created detailed records about their efforts on a boulder near where my children play on a regular basis. Because the Tlingit utilized that specific beach to capture salmon (which was considered the basis for life), many of the petroglyphs represent salmon and its importance to their people.

                                        Tlingit petroglyphs in Petersburg, AK

                                        https://images.app.goo.gl/ESR7ix2SU2DNPxgS8

In addition to my reflection on our own local source of ancient communication, in my own slight research over the years have learned that these petroglyphs can be found in many places throughout the world (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/eight-spots-in-united-states-where-you-can-see-petroglyphs-180972445/). Not only can you find various versions of petroglyphs throughout the United States, but you can also find similar petroglyphs and language similarities between the Haida tribe near British Columbia (Haida Gwaii) and those in Hawaii. Researchers have found that languages between the two are similar, as well as genetic similarities (http://northword.ca/summer-2005/aloha-spirit). Both were knows to be great early mariners, so there is a possibility that one came from the other tribe thousands of years ago and brought their language and knowledge of petroglyphs with them. 

 By en:User:Koba-chan - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NWCoast1a.png — — — This is adapted from a regional Topographic map made from GEMS data that is already posted on Wikimedia Commons. Original map created from DEMIS Mapserver, which are public domain., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1125453

But what is also fascinating is not necessarily that petroglyphs have similar meaning between various groups of people, but just the simple fact that early humans used pictures to communicate in a written format to each other and for future generations all over the world. Art is an innate attribute to humans. Something deep within us wants us to communicate by hand, whether it be for communication purposes or for the pure pleasure of expressing a feeling deep within us. We have a need to leave our mark on the world and that need runs deep from our ancestors to modern day. And sometimes that drive has lead to remarkable results such as cave paintings leading to petroglyphs to early alphabet to democracy and worldwide communication.