Within a mile of Golgotha, there is an ancient pictograph referring to wounds of Christ stigmata attributed to the Tataviam tribe. The San Diego Museum documented this depiction. It is believed to represent the stigmata of Christ. They published their findings in Rock Art Papers, Volume 3. Research by Ken Hedges in this volume highlights the site’s features in Agua Dulce Canyon.
What is the Stigmata of Christ?
Stigmata are bodily wounds, scars, or pains that manifest in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ. These marks typically occur on the hands or wrists (where nails were driven). They also appear on the feet (from nail wounds), the side or near the heart (from the lance), and the head (from the crown of thorns). Additionally, they occur on the back and shoulders (from scourging and carrying the cross). The term “stigmata” comes from the Greek word “στίγματα” (stigmata). This is the plural of “στίγμα” (stigma), and it means ‘mark,’ ‘spot,’ or ‘brand.’ A person who exhibits these wounds is referred to as a stigmatist or stigmatic.
Ancient Pictograph Near Location
As shown above there is an ancient pictograph closely resembling the stigmata of Christ near the site of Golgotha.
At Vasquez Rocks Park, ancient pictographs, rock carvings, and petroglyphs left by indigenous peoples are scattered throughout. Still, most stay off-limits to visitors. In a quest that trod on the edge of legality, I sought these clandestine treasures. Driven by tales of archaeologists chronicling the region’s pictographs, petroglyphs, and rock carvings through published books, my curiosity was piqued. These works had found their way into the archives of the San Diego Museum of Art. They are part of a collection known as the “Rock Art Papers.” Over the years many have been destroyed or removed by vandals from the Vasquez Rocks.
My journey took an unexpected turn while I was visiting my son at University of California Berkeley. I felt a seemingly irresistible force drawing me to the campus library. Amidst the “Rock Art Papers,” I unearthed two codices focused on Agua Dulce. The image presented above originated from one of them. It was a serendipitous find on my quest. This discovery will lead to the finding of a site as enigmatic as ‘The Holy Mountain,’ Golgotha itself.
Brigham Young University – Religious Studies Program
NIH – Stigmata in the history: between faith, mysticism and science
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