What Were Rock Art Sites Like in the Past? Reconstructing the Shapes of Sites as Cultural Settings

Rock art research often overlooks the significance of the site's spatial context, yet understanding the past landscape configuration is crucial to interpreting cultural meanings. This study demonstrates that reconstructing four dimensions—past landforms, palaeo-entrances, palaeo-landmarks and pathways, and rock surfaces—provides new insights into the physical structure and cultural significance of rock art sites. By focusing on these aspects, archaeologists can better grasp how past landscapes shaped human engagement with art, enhancing our comprehension of its role in ancient cultures.

Delannoy, J.-J., David, B., & Genuite, K. (2024). What Were Rock Art Sites Like in the Past? Reconstructing the Shapes of Sites as Cultural Settings. Deep-Time Images in the Age of Globalization, 147–163. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54638-9_10