Rock Art Research Articles

Content and statistical evaluation of forms, styles andrelative chronology of Horand Rock Arts, EastAzerbaijan, Iran

Content and statistical evaluation of forms, styles andrelative chronology of Horand Rock Arts, EastAzerbaijan, Iran

Content and statistical evaluation of forms, styles andrelative chronology of Horand Rock Arts, EastAzerbaijan, Iran

Content and statistical evaluation of forms, styles andrelative chronology of Horand Rock Arts, EastAzerbaijan, Iran

Color-based discrimination of color hues in rock paintings through Gaussian mixture models: a case study from Chomache site (Chile)

The article explores advanced image processing techniques for pigment discrimination in rock art paintings, emphasizing color separation using RGB (red, green, blue) and LHCUv (Luminance, Hue, Chroma) imagery. It highlights the use of dimensionality reduction methods such as Principal Components Analisys PCA and Independent Component Analysis (ICA), with a focus on Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM) for probabilistic classification of image elements. This approach, applied to the Chomache archaeological site on the northernmost coast of the Atacama Desert in Chile, reveals previously undetected motifs and details, offering a nuanced perspective in rock art documentation and analysis. This proposal reinforces the value of rock art panel not only as a finished product but as a process.

Micromorphology characterization of crystal calcium carbonate and exopolysaccharides quantification carbonatogenic bacterial LTP4-d isolated from historical painting of Maros-Pangkep karst area, Indonesia

Abstract. Zhafirah NA, Haedar N, Sentosa S, Gani F. 2024. Micromorphology characterization of crystal calcium carbonate and exopolysaccharides quantification carbonatogenic bacterial LTP4-d isolated from historical painting of Maros-Pangkep karst area, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2139-2147. Indonesia possesses the second-largest limestone/karst region globally, trailing only China. Among Indonesia’s limestone region, the Maros-Pangkep karst area in South Sulawesi stands out which obtained prehistoric rock art dating back at least 45.5 thousand years ago. However, over time, those paintings have begun to deteriorate due to many causes, one of which caused by overlayering of the deposition of calcium carbonate precipitates covering the surface of the paintings. This can occur due to the presence of microorganism with the ability to precipitate calcium carbonate on the surface of those paintings. Microorganism that have the ability to precipitate calcium carbonate are usually known as carbonatogenic bacteria or ureolytic bacteria. This study aimed to isolate the carbonatogenic bacteria and then assess how effectively it precipitates calcium carbonate, also to determine the production of EPS and characteristic micro-morfology of CaCO3 produced by carbonatogenic bacteria isolated from historical painting of Maros-Pangkep karst, Indonesia. Results showed that sixty bacterial isolates were successfully isolated from prehistoric paintings in Maros-Pangkep karst, which 24 isolates were confirmed as carbonatogenic bacteria. The highest amount of CaCO3 precipitate was recorded from LTP4-d isolates which able to precipitate 37.62±0.12 mgmL-1 calcium carbonate. The highest amounts of ammonia and EPS production were also from LTP4-d. The SEM results showed that CaCO3 precipitate from LTP4-d has a type of vaterite with element contents including C 0.32%; O 15.24%; Ca 84.53%. This study presents novel findings on the capability of carbonatogenic bacteria from prehistoric paintings in Maros-Pangkep karst to induce calcium carbonate precipitation which can be utilized as a reference for repairing and preserving prehistoric paintings found in the Maros-Pangkep karst area.

The Positive Role of Trees in Protecting Outdoor Painted and Engraved Rock Sites

ABSTRACT The general view of trees is that they threaten heritage structures, their roots disrupt archaeological features, or that they create microclimates conducive to biodeterioration. The conservator's experience in assessing the impact of trees on various cultural assets highlights the positive role they can play in modifying the outdoor environment to reduce stress mechanisms. Trees intercept sunlight and rain, absorb ground water and stabilise soils. This is particularly beneficial at rock art sites where infrastructure must be kept to a minimum to maintain the spiritual and aesthetic ambience. While focussing on studies demonstrating the protective role of trees, it is critical to make balanced assessments that recognise both positive and negative implications; a tree can both shade an object and increase the risk of mechanical damage from roots and falling branches. Objective assessments consider all implications rather than through intellectual and operational bias. Laboratory studies demonstrate hydrothermal stress to be greater than heating or wetting alone, and freeze–thaw that has been traditionally considered one of the most destructive mechanisms disrupting outdoor stone. Interventive approaches for reducing hydrothermal stresses in stone rely upon chemical treatments to repel water, and consolidation to better resist such stresses. A well-designed tree canopy can substantially reduce thermal expansion and almost completely remove rain from the object through interception, funnelling to the trunk and uptake of groundwater.

New Petroglyphs of the Baga-Oygur River (Right Bank) in Northwestern Mongolia

Purpose. The prehistory of the Mongolian Altai is represented by chronologically various archaeological sites, especially the rock art ones. In 2023 (as part of 2019 season), the Russian-Mongolian expedition continued to study the rock art complexes in northwestern Mongolia.Results. On the right bank of Baga-Oygur River, 7 new petroglyphs locations were discovered; the photo and graphic documenting of multi-temporal compositions was performed. In particular, the earliest petroglyphs of the “Kalguty” style were studied. Conclusion. Dozens of images refer to the Bronze Age; images and scenes of the Early Iron and Medieval periods are also discovered. Along with the points where petroglyphs are concentrated and strictly localized, a wide distribution of petroglyphs was noted on boulders lying on coastal terraces, as well as on rocky outcrops and on the peaks of the mountain frame of the river.

Regarding the role of rock paintings in studying the spiritual and religious life of ancient people

Regarding the role of rock paintings in studying the spiritual and religious life of ancient people

Murujuga: Dynamics of the Dreaming — A long and short history of this cultural landscape with reference to rock art, stone features, excavations and historical sites recorded across the Dampier Archipelago between 2014 and 2018 Edied by JoMcDonald and KenMulvaney. The Centre for Rock Art Research + Management (CRAR+M) Monograph 2, UWA Publishing, 2023 ISBN: 9781760802554. pp.775. AUD120.00.

Murujuga: Dynamics of the Dreaming — A long and short history of this cultural landscape with reference to rock art, stone features, excavations and historical sites recorded across the Dampier Archipelago between 2014 and 2018 Edied by JoMcDonald and KenMulvaney. The Centre for Rock Art Research + Management (CRAR+M) Monograph 2, UWA Publishing, 2023 ISBN: 9781760802554. pp.775. AUD120.00.

The Aesthetic Mediation of Cultural Memory: Two Case Studies from Papua New Guinea and Kimberley, Australia

Abstract I offer an analysis of the role of aesthetic value in the formation of cultural memory. More specifically, I examine how cultural memory is formed through cultural artifacts that embody a connection to the past via aesthetic means. My approach is motivated by artifacts from small-scale preindustrial societies, which make it apparent that aesthetic values, rather than being pursued for their own sake alone, enhance other functions, such as maintaining cultural identity and bringing the past into the present. I focus on rock art painting from the Kimberley, Australia, and effigies animated during rituals in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea to argue that, to play a significant role in the formation of cultural memory, aesthetic value must be aligned with implicit conceptions of time which inform the production of artifacts mediating cultural memory. This argument has implications for understanding differences in apprehending memory values and aesthetic values across cultural domains.

Where are the missing boatyards? Steaming pits as boat building sites in the Nordic Bronze Age

Abstract The boat stands out as a prominent symbol of the Nordic Bronze Age, depicted at thousands of rock art sites and on several metal objects throughout Scandinavia. Paradoxically, direct evidence of these boats is scarce, and the locations where boats were constructed remain largely elusive. In this paper, we put forth the proposition that many ostensibly mislabelled cooking pits along the coast might actually be remnants of steaming pits employed in boat building. By drawing on analogous parallels from ethnography and examining three Bronze Age cases from the western coast of Sweden and Eastern Norway, we hypothesize that sizable pits near the sea, characterized by fire-cracked stones and charcoal, are indicative of prehistoric boat building sites. Additionally, these results align with a broader objective of our paper, aiming to challenge the prevailing terrestrial narrative in archaeology, which has impeded the interpretive potential for comprehending maritime societies throughout prehistory.

Performance of Binarization Algorithms on Tamizhi Inscription Images: An Analysis

Binarization of Tamizhi (Tamil-Brahmi) inscription images are highly challenging, as it is captured from very old stone inscriptions that exists around 3rd century BCE in India. The difficulty is due to the degradation of these inscriptions by environmental factors and human negligence over ages. Though many works have been carried out in the binarization of inscription images, very little research was performed for inscription images and no work has been reported for binarization of inscriptions inscribed on irregular medium. The findings of the analysis hold true to all writings that are carved in irregular background. This article reviews the performance of various binarization techniques on Tamizhi inscription images. Since no previous work was performed, we have applied the existing binarization algorithms on Tamizhi inscription images and analyzed the performance of these algorithms with proper reasoning. In the future, we believe that this reasoning on the results will help a new researcher to adapt or combine or devise new binarization techniques.

Өвөрхангай аймгийн нутгаас шинээр илэрсэн хоёр бичээс, тамга

Өвөрхангай аймгийн нутгаас шинээр илэрсэн хоёр бичээс, тамга

Incised graffiti on the rock art of Mongolian Altai

This article discuss a comparative analysis of the detailed images, methods, thematic compositions, and chronological context of incised graffiti found in the rock art of Tsagaan Salaa-Baga Oigor of Ulaankhus soum, Shiveet Khairkhan of Tsengel soum, and Khoid Khöltsööt in Buyant soum of the Bayan-Olgii Province, in the western region of the Mongolian Altai. At these three sites, a total of 24 incised images are present, showcasing depictions such as deer, which are frequently encountered in petroglyphs, alongside representations of humans and chariots. Chronologically, these carvings range from the Bronze Age to the Turkic period.

The Analysis of the Implicature and Pragmatics Force of the Carving Ornaments of the Mantingan Mosque, Jepara, and Their Acculturation to Surrounding Communities

The Masjid Mantingan, the second-oldest mosque after the Masjid Agung Demak, is located in Mantingan village, Tahunan subdistrict, Jepara Regency. The Masjid Mantingan was established in 1481 Saka or 1559 AD by Sultan Hadlirin, the spouse of Queen Kalinyamat. There are white stone carvings in the mosque that result from the influence of Hindu, Buddhist, Chinese, and Islamic cultures and have artistic value. This case study aimed to examine the implicatures and pragmatic forces of the carved ornaments on the interior walls of the Masjid Mantingan. Data were collected through observation and interviews with the administrators, visitors, traders, and the community surrounding the mosque. The data was then analyzed using contextual analysis. The study’s findings demonstrated that, pragmatically, the Masjid Mantingan construction prioritizes functional components over aesthetic ones, as demonstrated by the mosque’s use as a place of prayer, education, tourism, business, and socio-culture. The mosque was also constructed by emphasizing elements of implicature and pragmatics force, as evidenced by the use of ornaments drawn simultaneously from three different cultures, namely Islamic, Hindu, and Javanese. Cultural acculturation at the mosque also contributes to the development of socio-cultural aspects and the economics of the local community by preserving traditions, maintaining carved ornaments, and engaging in tourism activities. The Masjid Mantingan, as the precursor to the development of Islam in Jepara, is also able to adapt to become a historical, cultural, and religious edifice, a symbol of glory, and a symbol of tolerance among religious communities. Keywords: Masjid Mantingan Jepara, implicature of carving ornaments, pragmatics force of carving ornaments

Vulnerability of geoheritage sites in South Africa to climate change: Examples from the Eastern Cape Province

Climate change and variability have potential to impact on all types of heritage sites globally, through increasing weathering and erosion of geological and built heritage, changes in biome and ecosystem viability, sea-level rise and coastal flooding, and increased climate hazard events. This study examines the most likely impacts of climate change on different heritage sites in South Africa, with a particular regional focus on sites of potential geoheritage interest in the Eastern Cape Province of the country. The diverse examples described in this study are: (1) Klasies River cave, which is a Middle Stone Age archaeological site; (2) different localities along the coast where faunal footprints are preserved within aeolianite that dates mainly to the last interglacial period; (3) different localities inland where rock art panels are present within caves or rock shelters; and (4) Cape St Francis, which is a coastal foreland where different phases of late Quaternary coastal dunes with archaeological interest are preserved. Results show that many of these very varied sites of geoheritage interest are not protected as National or Provincial Heritage Sites under current legislation, which is weak and inconsistently applied across the country. This means that no specific management plans, under national policy guidelines, are in place for mitigating against the impacts of present and future climate change and variability, either regionally or nationally. These climate changes include: sea-level rise and increased coastal storminess and wave attack; and changes in weathering and erosion regimes as a result of increased temperatures and likely decreased rainfall or higher rainfall variability. A better appreciation of the interconnections that exist between geology and natural and cultural heritage may lead to valuing landscape and site geoheritage more highly at the local, national and international level.

A three-dimensional audiobook design based on the Luo Yue culture of the Zhuang people, “Book Travel in Huashan”

The illustration design of this three-dimensional book is re-innovated based on the “North Sea Water Color Painting” style. The design features are in line with the development laws of children’s psychology. With rich colors, complex illustrations, wonderful storylines, and interactive book forms, it also Follow the development rules and learning characteristics of young children to create theme stories, and then carefully study the graphic symbols, summarize and refine the characteristics and essence of the Huashan blessing elements, extract and modernize the “human pattern totem”, and finally Restore the real characters and reserve high-quality picture book resources for preschool children who like Zhuang traditional culture, which is conducive to the promotion and inheritance of local intangible cultural heritage. In the last part, the results of the research on Huashan rock painting graphics and design application ideas are finally attributed to the creative practice of three-dimensional audio book design, completing the entire process from theory to practical application exploration, and then enhancing the national confidence and identity of the Zhuang people.

Garden Range 2: Taungurung rock art rockshelter site reveals 11,000 years of Aboriginal occupation of the Strathbogie Ranges, Central Victoria

This paper provides new insights into the long-term history of Aboriginal use of mountainous Victoria over the past 25,000 years. It presents results of excavations at Garden Range 2 rock art site located on the edge of the Strathbogie Ranges in central Victoria. The excavations were a research collaboration between the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) and Monash University. Results indicate possible ephemeral visitation by the Old People during the Last Glacial Maximum, clear evidence of occupation over the past 11,000 years, and increased activity since 1600 cal BP. The stone artefact assemblage is dominated by flakes of local quartz. Three igneous flakes from ground-edge axes, dating to after 700 cal BP, are contemporary with a grinding stone showing use-wear and residues from stone axe maintenance. The faunal assemblage is dominated by forest and grassland animals, such as macropod and emu, with mussel shells and fish bones indicating the use of nearby Seven Creeks. The rarity of ochre within sediments precludes insights into the age of rock art paintings on the shelter’s surface. Fossil pollen documents the nineteenth-century European forest clearances, a period when Taungurung people’s use of the site became unsafe. Unburnt fragments of rabbit and sheep bone suggest subsequent use of the site as a fox den. Garden Range 2 illustrates Aboriginal use of mountainous central Victoria during periods of significant environmental changes in the Early Holocene and possibly in the Late Pleistocene. These chronological patterns, including increased activity in the central Victorian uplands during the Late Holocene, match emerging chronological patterns of long-term use of other mountainous regions of southeastern Australia. How sites like Garden Range 2 relate to broader long-term Aboriginal use of more elevated sub-alpine and alpine (snow country) zones of central and eastern Victoria is a question for future archaeological research.

Performers and Sites of the Ashwamedha Yagya in Medieval India

India has a very rich cultural history. The Ashwamedh Yagya, an important ritual and experiment from Vedic times, aimed to refine consciousness. Since the Vedic era, many Ashwamedha Yagyas have been performed. In light of scriptural texts and archaeological findings, the present study aimed to retrospectively analyze the performers and sites of the Ashwamedha Yagya in medieval India. The study found that 27 kings from 18 dynasties had performed a total of 81 documented Ashwamedha Yagyas from the 1st century BCE to the 18th century CE. Although the study tried to comprehensively identify all instances of Ashwamedha performed in medieval India, there may be more awaiting further study. The study observed that these findings were based on archaeological evidence, including copper plate inscriptions, stone inscriptions, brick and pillar inscriptions, yagya kunds, and coins. Ashwamedha sites were present throughout present-day India. An interdisciplinary approach combining archaeological, inscriptional, scriptural, and sociological findings, along with expertise from ritualistic scholars, could unveil new research directions on the rich history of Ashwamedha Yagya in Indian culture.

On the issue of the methodology of the study of petroglyphs of medieval architectural structures of the North Caucasus

The article is devoted to the problems of the methodology of the study of petroglyphs of architectural structures of the North Caucasus. The author considers methodological approaches to the interpretation of their semantics, taking into account the dual nature of petroglyphs of architectural structures, which, on the one hand, are a special cultural phenomenon with their pictorial traditions and a set of symbols, and, on the other, genetically go back to rock art, respectively, possessing the properties of rock paintings. The author believes that, interpreting the semantics of petroglyphs and their compositions, it is very important to take into account the historical context in which they were created and consider their significance in line with religious traditions relevant to the population of that era. According to the author, epic formulas or ideograms that originate in rock art play a special role in deciphering the meaning of petroglyphs of architectural structures, and in petroglyphs of architectural structures they acquire a specific character due to a narrow set of sacred symbols. The methodological basis of the research is a set of general historical, ethnographic and archaeological research methods, the use of which is determined by the nature of the material being studied. The author believes that, despite the difficulties of interpreting petroglyphs of architectural structures associated with the reconstruction of religious and mythological representations of the ancient population, it is a certain set of sacred symbols and their compositions, as well as epic formulas, that are the key to their deciphering. Petroglyphs of architectural structures have their origin in ancient rock art, which makes it possible to use in their research, including methodological techniques for studying rock paintings, the historiography of which has almost 150 years and a huge number of scientific monographs and articles. At the same time, the petroglyphs of medieval buildings in the North Caucasus possessed expressive self-sufficiency, which allowed the peoples of the region to use it to fix their religious, mythological and social traditions for transmission to the next generations.

Ancient Rock Paintings Inside Rock Shelters in Abchand Reserve Forest, Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh

Ancient Rock Paintings Inside Rock Shelters in Abchand Reserve Forest, Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh