Arts 2013, 2(2), 46-76; doi:10.3390/arts2020046
Pleistocene Palaeoart of Asia
International Federation of Rock Art Organizations (IFRAO), P.O. Box 216, Caulfield South, VIC 3162, Australia
Received: 8 May 2013 / Revised: 10 June 2013 / Accepted: 12 June 2013 / Published: 19 June 2013
(This article belongs to the Collection World Rock Art)
Abstract
This comprehensive overview considers the currently known Pleistocene palaeoart of Asia on a common basis, which suggests that the available data are entirely inadequate to form any cohesive synthesis about this corpus. In comparison to the attention lavished on the corresponding record available from Eurasia’s small western appendage, Europe, it is evident that Pleistocene palaeoart from the rest of the world has been severely neglected. Southern Asia, in particular, holds great promise for the study of early cognitive development of hominins, and yet this potential has remained almost entirely unexplored. Asia is suggested to be the key continent in any global synthesis of ‘art’ origins, emphasising the need for a comprehensive pan-continental research program. This is not just to counter-balance the incredible imbalance in favour of Europe, but to examine the topic of Middle Pleistocene palaeoart development effectively. View Full-TextKeywords:
rock art; portable palaeoart; Pleistocene; figurine; bead; engraving; Asia
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Bednarik, R.G. Pleistocene Palaeoart of Asia. Arts 2013, 2, 46-76.