Pictures of Crosses

The desert southwest was first explored by Spanish adventurers such as Coronado in the early 1500's.  They were looking for "Cibola" the cities of gold.  However, they always traveled with Catholic priests who attempted to convert the people them met on their travels.  As a result, the cross as a symbol, has more than 400 years of history in this part of the country. 

In remote parts of northern New Mexico the Penetentes were a strong and well developed sect which believed in ritual crucifixion.  Some of the old crosses they used can still be found in the back country.  There will be a waist high mound of rocks supporting the base of a 10' tall cross. 

Crosses are also used to commemorate places where a loved one died or was killed and are common along the road.  Crosses are also placed as symbols on high places.  Can we say "Las Cruces" the city in southern New Mexico named for the crosses on top of the mountain east of town. 

The mountain top placement sometimes makes for interesting pictures when the sky and clouds make a backdrop and a long telephoto lens brings in the detail and flattens the depth.