Knut Helskog . Communicating with the world of beings. The World Heritage rock art sites in Alta, Arctic Norway. 240 pages, numerous colour and b&w illustrations. 2014 (first published in 2012 in Norwegian). Oxford & Philadelphia (PA): Oxbow; 978-1-78297-411-6 hardback £35.

The Rock Art of Alta, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals a profound connection between ancient Arctic communities and the natural world. Knut Helskog's comprehensive study highlights that these petroglyphs, dating back over 4,000 years, depict not only human figures but also a rich tapestry of animals, spirits, and cosmological beings, suggesting a complex belief system rooted in shamanistic practices. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeology, anthropology, and iconography to decipher the symbolism and cultural significance embedded in over 5,000 individual carvings spread across the Alta region. Helskog's analysis challenges conventional narratives by emphasizing the rock art as a dynamic medium of communication with the spiritual realm, rather than merely a historical record or artistic expression. This work underscores the Alta petroglyphs' role as a bridge between material and immaterial worlds, offering unprecedented insights into the cognitive and ritual practices of prehistoric Arctic societies.

Bahn, P. G. (2015). Knut Helskog . Communicating with the world of beings. The World Heritage rock art sites in Alta, Arctic Norway. 240 pages, numerous colour and b&w illustrations. 2014 (first published in 2012 in Norwegian). Oxford & Philadelphia (PA): Oxbow; 978-1-78297-411-6 hardback £35. Antiquity, 89(343), 236–237. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2014.16