Handbook of Rock Art Research

by Whitley, David S.; Loendorf, Larry; Loubser, Johannes; Keyser, James D.; Rowe, Marvin W.; Francis, Julie E.; Chippindale, Christopher; Conkey, Margaret W.; Layton, Robert; Lewis-Williams, J David; Turpin, Soveig; Bostwick, Todd W.; Clottes, Jean; Bradley,

• ISBN13: 9780742502567
• ISBN10: 0742502562
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-02-28
• Publisher: AltaMira Press

Summary

While there has always been a large public interest in ancient pictures painted or carved on stone, the archaeological study of rock art is in its infancy. But intensive amounts of research has revolutionized this field in the past decade. New methods of dating and analysis help to pinpoint the makers of these beautiful images, new interpretive models help us understand this art in relation to culture. Identification, conservation and management of rock art sites have become major issues in historical preservation worldwide. And the number of archaeologically attested sites has mushroomed. In this handbook, the leading researchers in the rock art area provide cogent, state-of-the-art summaries of the technical, interpretive, and regional advances in rock art research. The book offers a comprehensive, basic reference of current information on key topics over six continents for archaeologists, anthropologists, art historians, and rock art enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

Rock Art and Rock Art Research in Worldwide Perspective: An Introduction	p. 7
Analytical and Management Methods
Rock Art Recording	p. 55
Management Planning for Conservation	p. 80
Relative Dating Methods	p. 116
Dating by AMS Radiocarbon Analysis	p. 139
Chronometric Techniques: Engravings	p. 167
Physical and Chemical Analysis	p. 190
Style and Classification	p. 221
Interpretive Approaches
Studying Ancient Pictures as Pictures	p. 247
Structural and Semiotic Approaches	p. 273
Ethnographic Study and Symbolic Analysis	p. 311
Brainstorming Images: Neuropsychology and Rock Art Research	p. 332
Overview of World Rock Art
Archaic North America	p. 361
North American Indian Agriculturalists	p. 414
Paleolithic Europe	p. 459
Post-Paleolithic Europe	p. 482
Australia	p. 530
Oceania	p. 576
Saharan Africa	p. 605
Sub-Saharan Africa	p. 637
Lowland South America	p. 665
Andean South America	p. 707
Asia	p. 760
The Middle East	p. 786
Glossary	p. 825
Index	p. 837
Contributors	p. 857
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