Ancient Indigenous Artwork Vandalized at Big Bend National Park

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK- Ancient artwork in the Indian Head area of Big Bend National Park were damaged beyond repair when they were vandalized.

The vandals scratched “Isaac + Ariel 12-26-21” and “Norma Adrian 2021” into the prehistoric art.

There has been an increase in vandalism in the Indian Head area and park managers ask anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the law enforcement staff of Big Bend National Park.

“Big Bend National Park belongs to all of us. Damaging natural features and rock art destroys the very beauty and history that the American people want to protect in our parks. With each instance of vandalism, part of our Nation’s heritage is lost forever.” Big Bend National Park Superintendent Bob Krumenaker said.

Graffiti is costly and extremely difficult or impossible to remove and rock art and ancient cultural sites are protected by the Archaeological Resource Protection Act.

There have been over 50 instances of vandalism documented by park archeologists since 2015.

Contact the Big Ben National Park Communication Center at 432-447-1187.