I've drawn a pile of rocks (outlines) and the first top shape (p) is a closed shape. Below that closed shape I have drawn (p) NON-closed shapes of the rocks below the top rock, using the top shape outline as part of the next rock. I am looking for a way to fill each shape with a different fill, but because they are not closed shapes, they fill only partially.  QUESTION: Is there a way to combine all these (p) shapes together into a "spider web" type of object where all the shapes are closed?

I have tried using the commands under Path but not with good results.

Thank you in advance.

The easiest way is to grab the fill bucket tool; set the Grow/shrink factor to say 1 px and start filling in color between boundaries (Make sure to zoom in as close you can for more accuracy). Hue can be adjusted afterwards. Then select all new coloured shapes and send them into the background (under the strokes):
 

So you are saying that the shapes have to be closed and sent to back.  I can paste the Inkscape drawing into GIMP and fill the spaces (select transparent) and them fill, then copy the filled art back to Inkscape, but then everything is a bitmap.

I

No - except the formost shape all others are open. The fill-bucket fills between boundaries and the result is an extra color filled shape - you can give it a stroke if you like of course.