Finding mechanisms for a comparative study of Atlantic Rock Art
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2018-12-17

Atlantic Rock Art is a term commonly used to describe an assemblage of prehistoric carved motifs based on an overwhelming circular iconography. Cup-and-ring motifs, cup-marks, wavy grooves and other variations were carved on the landscapes of a number of western European modern countries, such as Scotland, England, Ireland, Spain and Portugal, during Prehistory. The engravings, the type of rocks on which they were depicted and their landscape locations provide the carvings with a sense of homogeneity due to their striking similarities. As such authors have, since early stages, hinted at connections and relationships between some of the aforementioned regions, although these are poorly understood and were never fully explored. 

Recent fieldwork developed to assess differences and similarities among the rock art of the western façade revealed that despite the resemblances there are striking variations in Atlantic Rock Art. In order to assess these characteristics and investigate the sense of unity between the regions, I developed a study based on a 4-scale methodology and empirical data documented in five different study areas. The scales of analysis focused on small details of the motifs, their making and carving techniques, revealing certain shared characteristics which implied that a mechanism of systematic cultural transmission was in place, contributing for the widespread of Atlantic Art. Furthermore, other scales of analysis assessed the rock media and the relationship between the latter and the motifs but also the wider landscape in which they were located. This multi-faceted investigation included human and computational valuations, combining methods ranging from 3D imaging records, GIS and Network Analysis, complemented with a sensorial and experiential perspective.  Results revealed a carving tradition which encompassed many resemblances but was still capable of maintaining regional personalities. The study demonstrated the importance of rock art in the narrative of prehistoric Atlantic Europe, contributing for a clearer insight into the connectivity and cultural transmission of the region. 

This paper will focus on the methodology applied and the benefits of a multi-disciplinary and multi-scalar approach to the study of rock art. 

Joana Valdez-Tullett