H 245 x W 175 mm
220 pages
Illustrated throughout in colour and black & white
Published Nov 2016
ISBN
Paperback: 9781784914745
Digital: 9781784914752
Keywords
Rock Art; Theory; Archaeological Theory; Myths; Interpretation; Epistemology
Rather than considering the myths supposedly depicted in the world’s rock art, this book examines the myths archaeologists and others have created about the meanings and significance of rock art.
A Little Epistemology: Introduction; Epistemology of archaeology; Setting the scene; Animals and Pareidolia: Tales of dragons; Identifying zoomorphs; Archaeological Folklores about Dating: The bulls and horses of Iberia; The Palaeolithic obsession; Myths about rock art age; Archaeological excavation; Axiomatic Confusions: Misidentification of non-anthropic rock markings; ‘Explanations’ of cupules; Other mistaken interpretations; The Venus figurines; Sensationalist Myths and Fringe Legends: Sensationalist claims; The writing on the wall; Seeing things: pareidolia; Reaching for stars and gods; The importance of being Palaeolithic; Rock Art Fairy Tales: About shamanism and rock art ; Myths about mythologies ; Neuropathologies and rock art ; Sinister myths about rock art; Generic Issues: Effects of fakes, misconceptions and falsities; Neuroscience and ‘identifications’ in rock art interpretation; The myths are here to stay; Conclusion
'This book is a worthwhile read for anyone who wants a deeper and more nuanced understanding of rock art. Its strength lies in its analytical approach and the questions it asks of