Images of Fish in the Rock Art of the Ancient Population of Northern Europe

A comparative analysis of fish imagery in ancient rock art across Fennoscandia reveals two distinct regional styles—western and eastern—that diverge significantly despite the prevalence of fishing in the subsistence economy. The study, examining 134 fish figures from six rock paintings and 17 petroglyph clusters dating to the Late Neolithic (6th–3rd centuries BCE), suggests these images held mythological significance rather than purely utilitarian purposes, as bone remains at nearby sites indicate a dominance of other fish species like zander and cod. The art predominantly depicts large, economically important species such as sturgeon, salmon, and halibut, while fishing scenes exclusively portray active hunting methods, contrasting with archaeological evidence of trap use. This spatial and stylistic divergence challenges assumptions about cultural homogeneity in prehistoric Northern Europe.

Zhul’nikov, A. M., Askeyev, I. V., Shaymuratova, D. N., Monakhov, S. P.,. (2024). Images of Fish in the Rock Art of the Ancient Population of Northern Europe. Povolzhskaya Arkheologiya (the Volga River Region Archaeology), 1(47), 27–46. https://doi.org/10.24852/pa2024.1.47.27.46