Polly Schaafsma facts for kids

Polly Dix Schaafsma is a famous American archaeologist. She is best known for her books and studies about rock art. Rock art is ancient art carved or painted on rocks. Schaafsma works as a researcher at the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe.

She and her husband, anthropologist Curtis F. Schaafsma, have also studied the history of the ancient Kachina cult. This cult was important to Native American groups in the Southwest USA.

Polly Schaafsma often teaches and gives talks about rock art. She works with groups like the School for Advanced Research. In 2008, she received a special award called the Klaus Wellmann Memorial Award. This award is given by the American Rock Art Research Association.

This ancient rock carving shows a warrior with a shield. It's found near Galisteo, New Mexico. This art is from the Southern Tewa people. It's even on the cover of one of Polly Schaafsma's books!

This "star person" rock carving is at Petroglyph National Monument. It was made by the Southern Tiwa people. This feathered star with talons might represent the Morning Star.

Polly Schaafsma's Books

Polly Schaafsma has written many important books about rock art. These books help us understand the history and meaning of these ancient artworks. Here are some of her well-known publications:

Books About Rock Art and Warfare

• Polly Schaafsma, 2000, Warrior, Shield, and Star: Imagery and Ideology of Pueblo Warfare. This book explores how ancient Pueblo people used images of warriors, shields, and stars in their art. It helps us understand their ideas about warfare.

Books About Images in Stone

• David Muench and Polly Schaafsma, 1995, Images in Stone. This book shares many beautiful pictures of rock art. It helps people see and appreciate these ancient artworks.

Books About Indian Rock Art

• Polly Schaafsma, 1980, Indian rock art of the Southwest. This book is a detailed guide to the rock art found in the Southwestern United States. It was updated in 1986.
• Polly Schaafsma, 1972, Rock art in New Mexico. This book focuses on the rock art found specifically in New Mexico. It was revised and expanded in 1992.
• Polly Schaafsma, 1971, The Rock Art of Utah. This book explores the rock art found in Utah. A new edition was released in 2002.

Studies on the Kachina Cult

• Schaafsma, Polly, and Curtis F. Schaafsma, 1974, "Evidence for the Origins of the Pueblo Katchina Cult as Suggested by Southwestern Rock Art". This article, published in the journal American Antiquity, discusses how rock art can show us where the ancient Pueblo Kachina cult came from.