Changing ecological concerns in rock-art subject matter of north Australia’s Keep River region

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

Authors

Tacon, Paul S. C. (Paul Stephen Charles), 1958-
Mulvaney, Ken
Ouzman, Sven
Fullagar, Richard (Richard L. K.)
Head, Lesley
Carlton, Paddy

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Western Academic & Specialist Press

Abstract

The Keep River region has a complex body of engraved and painted rock-art, distinct from but with links to regions to the east, west and south. At least four major periods of figurative rock-art have been identified with differing subject matters and ages. Significant changes in depictions of human figures and animals are evident, reflecting shifts in emphasis associated with ecological concerns and environmental change. We flesh out the relative rock-art chronology by highlighting these changes, from worlds dominated by humans to those dominated by mammals and birds, and finally to a recent world of reptiles and humans. Symbolic aspects of the imagery are also considered within a larger ecological approach.

Description

Keywords

Rock Art, North Australia, Ecology, Archaeology, Rock engravings

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Tacon, P, Mulvaney, K, Ouzman, S, Fullagar, R, Head, L & and Carlton, P 2003, 'Changing ecological concerns in rock-art subject matter of north Australia’s Keep River', Before Farming: the Archaeology and Anthropology of Hunter-Gatherers, vol. 1, no. 6, pp. 35-49. [http://www.waspress.co.uk/journals/beforefarming/]