This was done in an effort to keep drool and bodily fluids from contaminating the rock, until it could be placed behind bullet resistant glass at the museum.
Apaches and Indians from other tribes in the Riverside area, chanted and performed tribal rituals prior the rocks journey to the museum. Originally the rock was scheduled to arrive at the museum during a full moon. But local tribes protested, stating that would bring bad mumbo upon their people.
Once at the Museum, local Latino leaders demanded the rock be named, Viva El Roca and several gang members attempted spay paint the name on the rock, but were held back by police in riot gear.
Several African American groups were also on hand, to protest and were angry because the rock lacked color, and felt this was offensive to the black community.