Time required depends on number of students. Interpret the images of others. Express ideas and communicate through illustrations. Rock art is unique among the cultural remnants an archeologist studies. The purpose of rock art is difficult to discern unlike tangible artifacts that can be measured, weighed and counted.
Some rock art share common themes and symbols but interpretations of rock art are subjective.
The pictures and symbols made long ago can never be understood with certainty, but it does provide archeologists with clues about what may have been important to the person who created it or how that person went about their daily activities. The surface can be a wall or other sturdy object and does not need to be smooth. Rough or bumpy surfaces will allow participants to incorporate texture into their drawings. Begin by asking the students to draw examples of symbols that have meaning to them or create symbols that have certain meanings. Divide the students into small groups.