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Vandals have corrupted the ancient Big Bend rock art by putting their names on it

The US National Parks Administration says a panel of prehistoric rock art, believed to be between 4,000 and 8,500 years old, has been “irreparably damaged” in Big Bend National Park in Texas.

The ancient petroglyphs have been stamped with their names and dates into the rock, which is located in the Indian Head section of the archaeological site, the park service said in a press release published Tuesday. archeology.

The names Norma, Adrian, Isaac and Ariel and the date of 26/12/21 can be seen in the image of the peeling rock.

The panel has since been repaired but the damage, believed to have been done on December 26, is still visible and the stone cannot be restored to its original state, said Tom VandenBerg, department head interpretation and visitor services of Big Bend National Park, told CNN Friday.

In a press release, the National Park Service said there have been more than 50 cases of illegal vandalism recorded at the park since 2015, and the agency urges anyone with information to contact the park. continue.

“Destruction of natural features and rock art will destroy the beauty and history that the American people want to protect in our parks,” Bob Krumenaker, director of Big Bend National Park, said in a statement. our member.

“With each case of vandalism, a piece of our Nation’s heritage is lost forever,” he said.

VandenBerg told CNN in an email that the graffiti was etched on “abstract images of geometric forms, circles and undulating lines.”

“Scratch marks and discoloration on the surface are permanent,” he says. “Ancient rock art is protected and links humanity to our past. Each damaged site is a loss to the history and heritage that the National Parks protect.”

He said Big Bend National Park, which opened in 1944, is of archeological importance and is “a prime example” of the Chihuahuan desert ecosystem with its “innumerable” wildlife and flora. specializes in living with 13,000 years of human history.

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