Texas Really Is The Center Of The Universe – Maybe

Ok, ok ... fine. Maybe we're not the center of the universe but it looks like Texas may have the secret to the universe though. We're cool like that.

The lone star state can take credit for a lot of big things but, 'ya gotta admit, having, (maybe), the secret to the creation of, well, everything is pretty awesome. Way bigger than our monstrous food portions, super, extra long highways or uber - big sculptures and statues.

The White Shaman Preserve in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands is the site of some really old ... we're talking ancient here, 4,000 years old at least ... cliff paintings. The archaeological site is located about 6 hours from El Paso, near Del Rio, Texas.

What Is The White Shaman Preserve?

It's an historical site with a huge mural that's at least 4,000 years old and is said by many, to tell the tale of the universe. From its creation on.

The very detailed mural ... which has held up surprisingly well and stayed really clear being that it's been totally exposed to the elements for a zillion years ... is 26-feet-long and 13-feet-high. It features a huge caterpillar-like figure hovering over a white shaman, (hence the parks name), who's near a deer-ish looking "geometric anthropomorph".

What Does The White Shaman Mural Mean?

Nobody is sure.

Research from Dr. Carolyn Boyd and the Shumla Institute with Huichol elders has concluded that the story being told is a creation narrative. Others are unsure whether this site offers definitive wisdom about the origin of the universe. In 2022, Gary Perez, active in the Lipan Apache Native American Church, co-authored a paper with Eric A. Schroeder stating the sacred site is an ancient map of Texas, highlighting a peyote pilgrimage. - fodors.com

As an added, trippy bonus, during the winter solstice; the shaman's head kinda disappears. No matter what you think, one thing is certain - the painting was done on purpose and is meant to tell some sort of tale.

The White Shaman Mural Changes

Another cool thing about the mural is that it seems to change. Repeat visitors say every time you look at it, you see something different or something becomes clearer. Even moreso if you vary the seasons in which you visit.

READ MORE: Winter Fun In The Desert

You can learn more about the White Shaman Preserve here. If you're planning a visit, remember, you must make a reservation and you must be 12 years of age or older. If you want to stay overnight or camp there, that is only an option once a year during the Rock Art Rendezvous.

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