Post-Palaeolithic Filiform Rock Art in Western Europe: Proceedings of the XVII UISPP World Congress (1–7 September 2014, Burgos, Spain) Volume 10: Session A18b

Detailed Summary of the Book

The volume gathers contributions from distinguished archaeologists and researchers who participated in the Session A18b of the XVII UISPP World Congress. This collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of post-Palaeolithic filiform rock art, a category of art characterized by linear motifs often carved into rock surfaces. The book is structured to reflect both thematic and regional diversity, offering case studies from various geographic locales within western Europe. Each chapter explores a different aspect, such as the stylistic features, cultural significance, and the methodological approaches used in their study. Through this lens, readers gain an appreciation for the artistic endeavors of prehistoric societies that continued to express themselves through rock art long after the Palaeolithic era had ended.

Key Takeaways

• Continuity and Change: The book highlights the continuity of artistic expression that persisted into the Neolithic and later periods, emphasizing evolutions in style and technique.
• Cultural Insights: Filiform rock art offers invaluable perspectives on social, religious, and cultural dynamics within prehistoric communities.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Contributions underscore the importance of interdisciplinary research, combining archaeology, anthropology, and technology to study rock art.
• Preservation Challenges: The book discusses the preservation challenges facing filiform rock art sites and the strategies necessary for their conservation.

Famous Quotes from the Book

"Filiform rock art is not merely an artistic expression; it is a conduit through which prehistoric communities have inscribed their identities and worldviews on the landscape."

"To study these ancient engravings is to embark on a dialogue with the past, to decipher the whispered messages left by those who walked these lands thousands of years ago."

Why This Book Matters

This book is an essential resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts of prehistoric art and archaeology. The post-Palaeolithic period is a critical yet less explored epoch in the history of human artistic expression. By focusing on filiform rock art, this volume sheds light on the aesthetic and symbolic transitions that occurred as human communities became more sedentary and adapted to new cultural and environmental conditions. Its emphasis on methodological pluralism and multi-scalar analysis positions this book as a pioneering work that advances the field and inspires future research. Its contributions are relevant not only academically but also in terms of cultural heritage management, as they argue for the importance of preserving these ancient records for future generations.