The colours of rock art. Analysis of colour recording and communication systems in rock art research

Abstract

Colour recording is a crucial aspect of rock art documentation. In this paper, we evaluate different systems to record the colour of rock art and propose a system to describe and communicate it in a reproducible and non-subjective way. Recording and communication of colour in rock art studies, and in general in archaeology, has been treated as dissociated dimensions. Colour rendition charts incorporated into photographic scenes have been used for recording. This process tries to preserve pictures with colours as close as possible to reality. In addition, the use of subjective terms for description and communication of colour has been replaced by the use of standard colour charts (Pantone, Munsell) that are still based on the naked eye observation of the researcher. During recent years, other systems, such as spectroradiometers, colourimeters or mobile platform apps for recording of colour, have been seen as alternatives. Some of these procedures lack internal corroboration or are useful only for recording or only for communication but not for both purposes. That limitation is a contradiction to the basis of colourimetry, the science of colour. The system proposed in this paper contends with the recording and communication of colour in rock art in a comprehensive, reliable and reproducible way, from digital photographic recording to the final communication of colour in publications.