Ascent to the sky. A shamanic initiatory engraving from the Burrup Peninsula, northwest Western Australia

Abstract

A ‘neuropsychological model’ has been proposed which links rock art production with shamanistic experiences whilst in altered states of consciousness. The model claims universality, and hence this paper seeks to apply it to a rock art panel from the Pilbara region, Western Australia, in an assessment of its utility. Evidence of shamanism as practiced in Australia is gleaned from the ethnographic literature, entoptic motifs are identified in Australian rock art and an interpretation of the particular panel is advanced in the light of this. The potential of the model to amplify our understanding of Australian rock art is indicated.