In 1998, NCPTT partially funded a research project that involved an investigation of rock paintings in the Lower Pecos River area of Texas. Rock Art Research, the journal of the Australian Rock Art Research Association (AURA) and the International Federation of Rock Art Organizations (IFRAO), communicated results which were published by Elmo J. Mawk and [...]
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The visual manifestation of the recent Hale-Bopp comet reminds us how telling are those rare objects which suddenly flare in the sky. One can suppose ancient people living by natural light were more compellingly struck by the sight of comets and supernovae, and understandably researchers seek images of them in the shapes of rock-art motifs. An absolute dating contradicts that supposition in respect of a presumed image of the visible supernova of AD 1054.
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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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We developed a plasma-chemical technique to remove carbon from rock paintings. This extraction is followed by
accelerator mass spectrometric analysis of the 14C to yield direct estimates of the ages of rock paintings. We have demonstrated
use of the technique on charcoal as well as iron and manganese pigmented paintings. Unfortunately, there are no rock paintings made with inorganic pigments that have accurately known ages. That means there are no primary standards for checking the accuracy and validity of our technique on this type of samples. To compensate for this, known age samples (charcoal and Third International Radiocarbon Intercomparison wood) were dated: these support the general validity of this technique.
Cultural Heritage Imaging developed a comprehensive training program for 3D digital rock art documentation and preservation, based on state-of-the-art computational photography techniques that are emerging as the next generation of cultural heritage tools for use both in the field and in museums.
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Today we are joining NCPTT’s Jason Church as he speaks with Claire Dean of Dean Associates of Conservation Services about using lasers to remove graffiti from rock art. Rock art or rock imagery is the common term for paintings and carvings on rock and in North America that is mostly associated with native communities.
Download Episode 7 as an mp3 or subscribe via iTunes.
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Evaluation and Monitoring of Culturally Appropriate Treatments for Vandalism at Rock Image Sites, a report on research carried out with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
Read more →Debra Elaine Dandridge, Lichens: The Challenge for Rock Art Conservation, a Ph.D. dissertation submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies, Texas A&M University.
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