Blythe Intaglios, A Photo Gallery (original) (raw)

Blythe Intaglios, A Photo Gallery Intaglios are gigantic human, animal and geometric figures on the ground surface. Intaglios are known from the American Southwest, South America and New Caledonia. There are over 300 intaglios in the American Southwest and adjacent Mexico. The best known of these are the Blythe Intaglios, located west of the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Blythe, California. The ground drawings are situated on two low mesas or terraces. There are six figures in three locations.
The largest human figure measures 171 feet from head to toe. It is accompanied by an amimal figure.	The pavement of mineral stained gravel is removed to create the drawings. Intaglios are best viewed from the air.
Each of the three locations has one anthropomorph (human figure). This figure and the large figure above are accompanied by a nearby animal drawing.	One of the two quadrapeds at the Blythe Intaglios. The figures have been fenced to prevent damage.
One hand and the arm of the largest figure is shown in this view. Each digit is discernable. Any mark made on the desert pavement will be visible for centuries. Prehistoric trails are visible today.	Intaglios are very susceptible to damage. This arm of the largest figure illustrates the damage caused by vehicle tires. If you visit an intaglio remember that even footsteps can damage the figures.