This cave in Canyon del Muerto was named for a large white and blue
pictograph of a cow, drawn in the historic period and undoubtedly the
work of a Navajo. Not much can be seen of this ancient ruin, for Navajos
have lived on the site in recent times and still use the old bins for
storing corn and the leveled areas for drying peaches.
On the cliff near this ruin is an interesting old Navajo painting of
Spanish cavalrymen.
[Illustration: This blue-headed cow, painted by an early Navajo
artist on the shelter wall, gave Standing Cow Ruin its name.]
[Illustration: This Navajo rock painting in Canyon del Muerto shows
a procession of soldiers. It probably records a Spanish expedition
in the 19th century.]