SAN ANTONIO – High above the Pecos River in Val Verde County, some three-and-half hours west of San Antonio, sits the White Shaman. It's considered the crown jewel of numerous rock art sites in the area that date back thousands of years. The rock art was painted by an ancient group of people.
"I think they're some of the most important sites in the country,” explained Greg Williams, executive director of the Rock Art Foundation.
The Rock Art Foundation has long been in charge of the White Shaman Preserve, giving tours, studying the art and focusing on preservation.
"I think we have a lot to learn from ancient people and learning from these people is far from over,” Williams said.
The ownership of the prized possession is now changing hands. The Witte Museum, starting in 2017, will now own the White Shaman Preserve. According to the Witte, the museum has been involved with research of the rock art since the 1930s. The changeover has been celebrated by both parties, which still plan to work closely together.
"I’m beyond excited. I’m speechless. It was something that we hoped would happen and in some ways, we never dreamed it would, and here it is,” said Marise McDermott, president and CEO of the Witte Museum.
Not much is expected to change, however, the Witte hopes to increase access to the site and continue to make preservation a priority. In addition, the museum also plans to bring the cave art to those who can’t make the formidable hike through the Pecos River Canyon.
"For the folks who can't [make the trek], they can come here and see the sites,” Williams said.
The sites will be featured in an exhibit within the Witte’s new addition called the "People of the Pecos." It is expected to open in 2017. Replicas of the rock shelters are under construction, using molds made at the ancient sites. Technology will then allow the actual rock art to digitally be projected on the walls of the caves.