Texas Rock Art Halo Shelter photo below is a large pano view of a panel in the Halo Shelter near Comstock, Texas. (click to view full size – 1600 x 838).
A trip to West Texas led me to the Texas Rock Art Halo Shelter site. This panorama captures the detail and mystical beliefs of the inhabitants of Lower Pecos River canyons. The site harbors the Pecos River style rock art unique in theme and color. A long line of deer run across the limestone wall. In addition unusual yellow colors are uncommon in this rock art style. However yellow is common at the Halo Shelter. Additionally figures with their hair above their heads give the shelter its halo name. Many of the unique figures of Lower Pecos rock adorn the Halo Shelter. To see these rare and precious art forms takes a dedicated effort. But the travel time, remote location and rugged terrain require persistence and effort.
The Halo Shelter is one of many rock Art sites along the Lower Pecos River. Additionally posts on Presa Canyon, and Meyers Spring can be found by clicking on the links. Presa Canyon is a side canyon off Seminole Canyon after a long day hike . Meyers Spring is located on private property. Visiting this site requires permission from the landowner.
Archaeologists find traces of local psychotropic plants in some of the shelters. As a result questions arise whether or not the art is drug inspired. Ritual use of psychoactive plants in native cultures in the New World occurred regularly. Further the use of these plants was part of the ritual in the Lower Pecos too. So it is not difficult to accept some of the art was created under the influence of hallucinogens.
Each site is special and visiting as many as possible is a worthwhile goal.
Furthermore to gain access to the private property requires membership in the Rock Art Foundation. For more on the Halo Shelter, visit this page.
