Abstract
Access and engagement are construed here to be an important part of the role of cultural heritage. In the case of spiritual heritage, engagement by outsiders can be inappropriate. Indigenous rock paintings challenge the notion of access in that many works of art are excluded from members of the clan creating the images and yet they have become part of a global tourist industry, that demands ever more examples of hunter gatherer culture. In some cases tourism disregards the sacred site and turns it into another form of activity, showing little regard for the sacred site and its people. Government management agencies have a responsibility to protect cultural heritage but can seldom do this outside their fundamental policy of making culture accessible to their constituency. Protection of cultural heritage must be preceded by respect for its makers and keepers and this does not necessarily include access or engagement for outsiders. A relationship based on trust can be built that will allow a satisfactory engagement with most aspects of indigenous culture.
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