World Rock Art

by Jean Clottes

Although cave paintings from the European Ice Age have has gained considerable renown, for many people the term "rock art" remains full of mystery. Yet it refers to perhaps the oldest form of artistic endeavor, splendid examples of which exist on all continents and from all eras. Rock art
stretches in time from about forty thousand to less than forty years ago and can be found from the Arctic Circle to the tip of South America, from the caves of southern France to the American Southwest. It includes animal and human figures, complex geometrical forms, and myriad mysterious markings.

Illustrated in color throughout, this book provides an engaging overview of rock art worldwide. An introductory chapter discusses the discovery of rock art by the West and the importance of landscape and ritual. Subsequent chapters survey rock art sites throughout the world, explaining how the art
can be dated and how it was made. The book then explores the meaning of these often enigmatic images, including the complex role they played in traditional societies. A final chapter looks at the threats posed to rock art today by development, tourism, pollution, and other dangers, and discusses
current initiatives to preserve this remarkable heritage.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Art

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2002

About the author

Prehistoriador francés. Nació en el Pirineo francés en 19331​ y comenzó a estudiar Arqueología en 1959, durante la enseñanza secundaria. Inicialmente se centró en los dólmenes neolíticos, que eran el tema de su tesis doctoral de 1975 en la Universidad de Toulouse.​ Después de ser nombrado director de las antigüedades prehistóricas de Mediodía-Pirineos en 1971, comenzó a estudiar arte rupestre prehistórico con el fin de cumplir con las responsabilidades de esta posición.

Durante los años siguientes lideró una serie de excavaciones de yacimientos prehistóricos de la región. En 1992, fue nombrado Inspector General de Arqueología del Ministerio de Cultura de Francia y en 1993 también como asesor científico de arte rupestre prehistórico en el Ministerio de Cultura francés. Se retiró oficialmente en 1999, pero sigue estando aun activo como colaborador de campo.

Reviews

[Slotface · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good ! dang

[Shriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, concise and yet not exactly a heavy book full of jargon. That its readable is its biggest selling point. That it will make sense to an expert and an amateur, makes it unique!

[Max Carmichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enlightening global survey of this major component of human culture, our most universal and longest-lasting art form, which has been shamefully neglected by science and wantonly destroyed by so-called "civilized" people.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with this book but the pictures are great.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

What this brief overview of rock art all around the world lacks in depth, it makes up in some beautiful photographs.