Here is the first in a series of pigeon home drawings. These homes are scattered throughout the valleys, perched high up the canyon walls. Many of them are decorated with a variety of geometric and natural elements. They are in varying stages of weathering and decay. For a bit more history on the pigeon homes visit Jocelyn’s post on this subject.
This image was rendered in pencil and colored in Photoshop to show the true color of the design in the middle. The objects to either side were originally painted in black. I have no idea what they are. Are they bugs or plants? There is a faded image to the right of the main design, that is mostly worn away, but seems to be a fruit bearing plant, lending weight to the idea that they are plants. Any ideas? I would like to find some scholarly interpretation of the symbols present in the pigeon homes as the only interpretation of regional symbols I have heard is from carpet salesmen. Currently I believe everything I hear from carpet salesmen….