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