Sex and Gender Attributes in Rock Art in Six Counties in Utah

Abstract

This study evaluates the ways gender and women’s roles are interpreted in rock art in Utah. Six counties in Utah were evaluated - Box Elder, Carbon, Juab, Millard, Tooele, and Utah. Along with a review of relevant literature, the study drew on rock art site forms to review any indication of sex/gender attributes. Images and drawings proved to be the most beneficial in explaining how different symbols could indicate sex and gender attributes found among rock art. Though some rock art is easier to decipher, most is open to interpretation and requires extensive knowledge of the culture along with ethnographic analysis. Understanding how gender is portrayed in rock art can give light as to how gender relations worked within a prehistoric society. This research can help in the “de-gendering” of archaeology and provide a different point of view to utilize when studying rock art. It may also aid in dismantling ethnocentric views within the field and contributing to non-archaeological sex and gender studies within different cultural contexts.

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