Exploring the Significance and Interpretation of Animal Motifs in Rock Art: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Rock art has been a subject of fascination for scholars, archaeologists, and enthusiasts for centuries due to its unique aesthetic qualities and cultural significance. This systematic review paper provides an overview of the significance of rock art motifs and their interpretations. Through a comprehensive analysis of the literature, we identified common rock art motifs and themes, as well as various interpretative approaches and theoretical frameworks used to understand the meanings and contexts of these motifs. The review also explores variations in interpretations across time and space and discusses the implications of these findings for rock art studies. The results reveal that rock art motifs and their interpretations are shaped by diverse cultural, social, and historical contexts, and that interdisciplinary and community-engaged research is needed to better understand, preserve, and appreciate this unique cultural heritage. The limitations and recommendations for future research are also discussed. This review contributes to our understanding of the cultural, symbolic, and aesthetic significance of rock art and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives and engagement with local communities in the study and conservation of rock art sites and cultural heritage.