Session: #630

Session, made up of a combination of papers, max. 15 minutes each

Rock art research is rapidly becoming mainstream archaeological practice the world over. Unlike most archaeological materials, rock art is a fixture in past and present cultural landscapes. It therefore has unique potential as an archaeological resource and priceless, tangible heritage. Presently, rapid methodological advancements (e.g. dating and recording techniques) and new discoveries dominate and determine rock art research’s trajectory, often outpacing interpretive reflection, theory, and heritage management research. Yet, approaches integrating these methodological developments with theory and conservation hold the potential to advance and promote rock art as an archaeological data source and a vital component of native and local communities.

In this session, we explore these issues by asking: How do we stimulate the rapid technological developments in rock art research, while also pausing to reflect on the theoretical and interpretative implications? How can and should these advances best serve the native and local communities rock art is ensconced in? Additionally, how can methodological and theoretical advances safeguard and contribute to the long-term management of rock art as world heritage? And what does the optimal forward progress look like for each of these issues?

We invite scholars working on rock art from all areas and periods to discuss these topics from their own perspectives and experiences. We especially welcome papers featuring combined approaches to methodological, theoretical, and heritage issues.

Rock art, methodology, theory, heritage-management

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Nathalie Brusgaard (Netherlands) ¹

Dr Rachel Hoerman (United States) ²