Building blocks and stepping stones: some key foundations in the development of rock art conservation in Australia

Abstract

AbstractAustralia has come to be regarded as at the forefront internationally in the development of sound theoretical and technical approaches to the conservation of rock art, and in the way in which conservation is practiced here sensitive to the social context of a continuing, custodial indigenous community. This reputation has arisen in the last 20 years, as heritage managers, Aboriginal communities and academics have attempted to respond to the frequently voiced fears that we were on the brink of ‘losing’ the continent's rock art heritage. In 1980 and 1981, the Joint Academies Committee on the Protection of Prehistoric Places met to discuss national directions and priorities in rock art conservation. This paper looks at some of the key achievements arising from the Committee's recommendations which have formed crucial stepping stones to bring rock art conservation to where we stand now. In doing this, the paper specifically seeks to recognise the contribution of Andrée Rosenfeld and place in context the contribution she has made to rock art conservation, most prominently through her book: Rock art conservation in Australia. In revisiting this recent history, a number of priorities for future activity in rock art conservation become apparent.