Picturing the Meaning of Scandinavian Rock Art – Graphic Representations, Archaeological Interpretations and Material Alterations

Scandinavian rock art, particularly at sites like Tanum, has been significantly altered by modern practices aimed at enhancing visitor legibility. This study reveals that the production of graphic representations since the mid-19th century has introduced an interpretative bias favoring mimetic qualities over materiality, leading to widespread red painting of carvings. Such alterations transform the stone's materiality into a visual language aligned with graphic representations, thereby altering the original archaeological remains. The research employs a reflective overview approach, analyzing the recursive relationship between graphic depictions and interpretative practices in archaeology.

Ljunge, M. (2021). Picturing the Meaning of Scandinavian Rock Art – Graphic Representations, Archaeological Interpretations and Material Alterations. Current Swedish Archaeology, 26(1), 163–190. https://doi.org/10.37718/csa.2016.11