Angono Petroglyphs - Part 2

It took a while for this Part 2 to be posted and I didn't want to delay this more considering July is ending soon and Part 1 was weeks ago. And so without further adieu, here's the second and concluding part of my feature on the Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan.

The site of the petroglyphs is just a stone's throw away from the museum building that also serves as an indoor lecture venue during rainy days. There is a platform that was constructed in order for visitors to be able to view the petroglyphs without disturbing or vandalizing the archeological treasures. Many years ago when the platform was not yet constructed and people had direct and close access to the petroglyphs and many have left their unwanted marks there.

The original path to the petroglyphs is a narrow trail at the side of the mountain.

A close-up from the previous photo reveals the stairs carved from the stone that made the site more accessible in the past.

Figures of people performing what looks like rituals or worship can be seen everywhere.

I couldn't quite decipher if there were other activities depicted in the petroglyphs.

Some figures though are grouped and seem to indicate entire families who probably worshiped together. However, most interesting in this photo is a depiction on the center-left of what were supposed to be giant land turtles that roamed the area.

Beneath the petroglyphs are more recent carvings on the rock. These were made by vandals including those who probably thought that leaving their own marks would ensure that these will also be preserved for "eternity." Their presumptions are likely to be true but then theirs will surely be remembered as acts of follies if not stupidity.

Another example of the vandalisms at the petroglyphs site can be clearly seen at the center of the photo.

The petroglyphs are carved on rock that is generally protected from the elements. The same protection was likely given to the people who came here for worship or whatever activities they did back in those ancient days.

Noticeable are the many holes on the rock face.

A look back at the figures etched on rock gives one an idea of the extent of the petroglyphs.

Many parts have been subject to natural weathering and we've been informed that the holes are natural and not man-made.

In some parts, there are plants already growing on the rock but these don't seem to be a threat to the petroglyphs.

We'll also probably be back here another time. Aside from the casino and resort hotel in the area, there seems to be some other attractions including, of course, the many art museums a bit further on in the Angono town proper.

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