The walls inside this cave are covered with red, black, and white images created by Chumash people, who have lived in this area for thousands of years. The artists were probably shamans or priests who came here seeking power or spiritual strength as they tried to influence supernatural beings and forces to intervene in human affairs. They used charcoal, red ochre, and powdered shells for their paints, but the meaning of the intricate images was lost with the destruction of their way of life. One black circle may depict a solar eclipse that occurred in 1677 A.D.

Photo: Craig Baker

Photo: Craig Baker

Photo: Craig Baker

Photo: Craig Baker