There is a very good information source and some history of "shontok" here:
http://www.cocoraque.com/our-history/history-of-cocoraque-butte/Google "Cocoraque Butte" and there are several sites. I was amazed to see these, as i had not heard of this place until a few months ago and it is so quiet out there.
One thing that I think that I intended and failed to mention...maybe I didn't...is the sound of those rocks. They have a metal iron sound often. They are flaking off and the sound can heard from under the surface, the hollow sounds, as well. The tapping could be part of the attraction or belief or relationship. Sound and vibration are so often diminished in modern visual thinking, but is more important in natural consciousness and awareness. Some new age musicians have used these sounds in their recordings from these rocks according to the referred website. They could be a music or relationship to the worlds in sound and vibration.
There is that closeness that nudity, in natural more pristine environment, openness and spending quiet longer time with a place bring. This was a quick trip with a fest and gig to get to under an increasingly hot sun. I would like to go back and just sit and camp a night or two there, walk about some more. That fire ring calls to me. We are headed to another place of petrogylphs this week.
Jbee
Yea, the sweat has become a central piece of out health regimen and spiritual practice. As the on in town is fading, I have been constructing one on my property. I'll do a couple of full write ups on the process in time. The earthy turtle is a symbol of mother earth for many, and local Native Americans, hence the shape.
Jbee
