Relating to Rock Art in the Contemporary World : Navigating Symbolism, Meaning, and Significance

Rock art has long been considered an archaeological artifact reflecting activities from the past, yet it is also a phenomenon with present-day meaning and relevance to both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Relating to Rock Art in the Contemporary World challenges traditional ways of thinking about this highly recognizable form of visual heritage and provides insight into its contemporary significance. One of the most visually striking forms of material culture embedded in landscapes, rock art is ascribed different meanings by diverse groups of people including indigenous peoples, governments, tourism offices, and the general public, all of whom relate to images and sites in unique ways. In this volume, leading scholars from around the globe shift the discourse from a primarily archaeological basis to one that examines the myriad ways that symbolism, meaning, and significance in rock art are being renegotiated in various geographical and cultural settings, from Australia to the British Isles. They also consider how people manage the complex meanings, emotions, and cultural and political practices tied to rock art sites and how these factors impact processes relating to identity construction and reaffirmation today. Richly illustrated and geographically diverse, Relating to Rock Art in the Contemporary World connects archaeology, anthropology, and heritage studies. The book will appeal to students and scholars of archaeology, anthropology, heritage, heritage management, identity studies, art history, indigenous studies, and visual theory, as well as professionals and amateurs who have vested or avocational interests in rock art. Contributors: Agustín Acevedo, Manuel Bea, Jutinach Bowonsachoti, Gemma Boyle, John J. Bradley, Noelene Cole, Inés Domingo, Kurt E. Dongoske, Davida Eisenberg-Degen, Dánae Fiore, Ursula K. Frederick, Kelley Hays-Gilpin, Catherine Namono, George H. Nash, John Norder, Marianna Ocampo, Joshua Schmidt, Duangpond Singhaseni, Benjamin W. Smith, Atthasit Sukkham, Noel Hidalgo Tan, Watinee Tanompolkrang, Luke Taylor, Dagmara Zawadzka The place of rock art in the contemporary world / Paul S.C. Taçon and Liam M. Brady A fabricated past? The case of Nyero Rock art site, Kumi District, Uganda / Catherine Namono "What rock art?" Stories from Northeast Thailand / Noel Hidalgo Tan, Atthasit Sukkham, Gemma Boyle, Watinee Tanompolkrang, Jutinach Bowonsachoti, and Duangpond Singhaseni What the places teach us : challenges for cultural tourism and indigenous stewardship of rock art sites in the North American midcontinent / John Norder and Dagmara Zawadzka "That painting now is telling us something" : negotiating and apprehending contemporary meaning in Yanyuwa rock art, Northern Australia / Liam M. Brady and John J. Bradley Parks, petroglyphs, fish, and Zuni : an emotional geography of contemporary human-animal-water relationships / Kurt E. Dongoske and Kelley Hays-Gilpin Rock art in South African society today / Benjamin W. Smith Inscribing history : the complex geographies of Bedouin tribal symbols in the Negev Desert, Southern Israel / Davida Eisenberg-Degen, George H. Nash and Joshua Schmidt Land/people relationships and the future of rock art in the Laura Basin, Northeastern Australia / Noelene Cole From science to heritage : new challenges for world heritage rock art sites in Mediterranean Spain in the 21st century / Ines Domingo and Manuel Bea Rock art, cultural change, the media and national heritage identity in the 21st century / Paul S.C. Tacon Teaching and learning about rock art in Argentina / Dánae Fiore, Marianna Ocampo and Agustín Acevedo Recent art history in rock country : bark painters inspired by rock paintings / Luke Taylor Marks and meeting grounds / Ursula K. Frederick Establishing new ground : reflexive/reflective thinking and plotting a future for studying rock art in contemporary contexts / Liam M. Brady and Paul S.C. Taçon. 4. What the Places Teach Us: Challenges for Cultural Tourism and Indigenous Stewardship of Rock Art Sites in the North American Midcontinent - John Norder and Dagmara Zawadzka -- 5. "That Painting Now Is Telling Us Something": Negotiating and Apprehending Contemporary Meaning in Yanyuwa Rock Art, Northern Australia - Liam M. Brady and John J. Bradley -- 6. Parks, Petroglyphs, Fish, and Zuni: An Emotional Geography of Contemporary Human-Animal-Water Relationships - Kurt E. Dongoske and Kelley Hays-Gilpin -- 7. Rock Art in South African Society Today - Benjamin W. Smith "Rock art is considered an archaeological artifact reflecting activities from the past, it is also a phenomenon with present-day meaning and relevance to both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Challenging traditional ways of thinking about this recognizable form of visual heritage and providing insight into its contemporary significance"--Provided by publisher.