Rock Art Science

Rock art science: the scientific study of palaeoart

The second edition of the handbook of rock art research, Rock art science: the scientific study of palaeoart (2007), has just been published by Aryan Books International, New Delhi. In contrast to the first edition, which was overpriced by Brepols of Belgium (at €74.00, about $A125.00), this completely updated and expanded edition has been produced at a much more reasonable price. This book will be the standard textbook for international rock art courses.

AURA has purchased part of the production run at cost, and will sell these copies to members of AURA and other IFRAO-affiliated organisations until sold out. These copies will be sold at cost initially, until AURA has only 200 copies left, which will then be sold at profit. AURA will also provide a limited number of free copies to selected educational institutes at the discretion of the AURA editor.

Rock art science: the scientific study of palaeoart
By Robert G. Bednarik, second edition, expanded and updated. April 2007. Aryan Books International, New Delhi, 220 pages, illustrated, comprehensive bibliography, index.
Hardcover ISBN 81-7305-318-9, paperback ISBN 81-7305-319-7, recommended retail price $A80.00.

The contents of this academic textbook are:
1. Rock art science: an introduction; 2. The study of rock art in a historical perspective; 3. The discrimination of natural and artificial rock markings; 4. The technology of rock art; 5. The recording of rock art; 6. The conservation of rock art; 7. The dating of rock art; 8. The interpretation of rock art; 9. Some methods of rock art science; 10. Portable palaeoart; 11. Resources in rock art research; 12. Rock art glossary

Some reviews:

‘In the uncertain horizon of a discipline in desperate need for consensus, a man stands alone, raising high above personal feuds a warning flag on which the reader can read: We cannot afford to get it wrong, the resource is not renewable! … Veiled behind a storm of reforms is Bednarik’s genuine attempt, a timely effort, at bringing cohesion to a discipline in desperate need for consensus by shaking the dogmatic foundations of a parasitic and dominant discourse. As it stands, rock art plays a quasi-nonexistent role in the overall palaeo-sciences. Bednarik’s reforms are good starting points to establish rock art as a fully fledged discipline.’
Dr Yann-Pierre Montelle

‘Rock art researchers owe Bednarik a great debt for establishing AURA, the internationally refereed journal Rock Art Research and his efforts to establish IFRAO. He has tirelessly led campaigns to save rock art from development-related destruction in many parts of the world and has published hundreds of papers. In Rock art science, he offers his overall vision for the study of rock art.’

Professor Paul S. C. Taçon

For the greatly reduced (>75%) introductory offer to members of the 43 rock art organisations affiliated with IFRAO (including AURA) please refer to the order form.
Alternatively the book may be ordered from Aryan Books International, Pooja Apartments, 4B, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi-110 002, India, aryanbooks@vsnl.com

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