Publication:

A field method for analysing the distribution of rock art (1993)

Author(s): Bradley J, Harding J, Mathews M, Rippon S

    Abstract: Summary: Recent studies of prehistoric rock art have analysed its position in the landscape and have suggested that it played an important role in a mobile pattern of settlement. But the distribution of petroglyphs is usually taken as given, with the result that it is difficult to assess the significance of this kind of patterning. We argue that such evidence should be compared with the distribution of uncarved rocks across the surrounding area, and illustrate this procedure by two case studies from northern England. In these examples rock carvings were carefully sited at viewpoints and may have overlooked important routes across the landscape.

      • Date: 31-05-2007
      • Journal: Oxford Journal of Archaeology
      • Volume: 12
      • Issue: 2
      • Pages: 129-143
      • Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd
      • Publication type: Article
      • Bibliographic status: Published
      Staff

      Dr Jan Harding
      Senior Lecturer in Later Prehistory