A resurgence of interest in prehistoric rock art has occurred recently owing to advances in analytical techniques that provide information on the composition of ancient paints and the natural man”ices surrounding the paints. The greatest problem in studying ancient rock art was the inability to affiliate the artifacts to specific cultures. which severely limited our knowledge of the origin and role of art within prehistoric societies. It is now possible to date directly many pictograph paints if organic matter was utilized in the original paint mixture and residual organics remain in the paint, or if the paints are incorporated with natural rock crusts such as calcium oxalate or silica skins that are datable. Furthermore, it is now realized that inorganic constituents of pictograph paints can be used to compare motifs, themes and painted panels based on chemical characteristics of the paints, in addition to providing information regarding the substances available and utilized by early people for their art.
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A variety of materials and methods have been used to preserve ceramic vessels. Many have proven successful, while others are damaging. Monitoring and evaluation of past treatments is a documented research priority in the conservation field. The Arizona State Museum (ASM) has examined, recorded and analyzed the performance of past treatments on 20,000 southwest vessels and a modern storage facility.
This research has afforded the opportunity to look forwards and backwards to identify patterns in archaeological methods, museum management and conservation.
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