In the heart of the Arizona desert lies Painted Rock—a site etched with centuries of Native American petroglyphs. These mysterious symbols tell stories of life, travel, and belief carved into stone.

The exhibit at the Newberry Library has everything from “Star Wars” clips to Polaroid pictures, showing through pop culture how Native stories are still being created.

A segment of vertical rock located along the Little Spokane River has a stunning remnant of Native American painting. It is located in a shallow overhang that protects the art from the weather.

The case is the latest in the state’s decades-long problem with misrepresented native artworks. The salesman, 39-year-old Cameron Losi from Washington state, is of American Indian descent and ...