Archaeological petroglyphs site of Altavista

Archaeological petroglyphs site, Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico – 2019. I was in Mexico on a Habitat for Humanity Global Village build in El Monteón which is a small town located in the state of Nayarit, about 70km north of Puerto Vallarta and just a few miles from the tourist town of Rincón de Guayabitos were we stayed during and after the build. The Archaeological petroglyphs site of Altavista known as “La Pila Del Rey” is located along the Piletas Creek on the side of the Copo Volcano. It was created by indigenous people known as the Tecoxquin (Tequectequi “Throat-cutters”) over two thousand years ago. The Tecoxquin were Aztec and were mainly farmers, fishermen, salt producers and traders in cacao and cotton. The meaning of the symbols carved into the rocks is unknown but most likely constitute a ritual language of prayers to the Tecoxquin gods. The arrival of the Spanish in the early 1524 and their later conquest of the area ultimately lead to the complete annihilation of the Tecoxquines.
Petroglyphs site of Altavista known as “La Pila Del Rey”. Nayarit, Mexico
Piletas Creek in the dry season no visible water in a number of places. Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
Rock carvings at the Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
This rock is believed to be an alter used for sacrificing animals. Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
This is possibly a reference to the "corn man", a figure that symbolizes fertility and growth. Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
For the Tecoxquin the cross was a mental map of the cosmos symbolizing various things such as the five sacred directions, the four cardinal points and the…
Rock carvings at the Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
Rock carvings at the Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
A pool and natural rock formations at the base of a waterfall on Las Piletas Creek, Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
Rock carvings at the Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
Rock carvings at the Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
The river bed of Piletas Creek upstream from a small waterfall. It’s not the rainy season so not much water. Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
Rock carvings at the Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
Current day religious symbols at the Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
Rock carvings at the Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico
Piletas Creek in the dry season no visible water in a number of places, Petroglyphs site of Altavista, Nayarit, Mexico