STORIES TOLD BY PREHISTORIC ART: MYTHS, RITUALS, AND BELIEFS

Prehistoric and tribal art illustrates the real and imaginary world of
its makers. Events, happenings, beliefs, rituals, and myths are
delineated, suggesting fundamental information about the spiritual and
social life of ages and cultures. Images and signs are the records of
chapters yet unwritten in the history of humankind. Often the images
are there in front of our eyes, and we are unable to decipher their
meaning. Examples of understanding what they are conveying may help
other colleagues to solving similar problems. A few examples of this
decoding have appeared in previous issues of EXPRESSION journal of
conceptual anthropology. Now, a forthcoming issue of EXPRESSION is
planned to focus on this topic. “Why” is one of the earliest words of
infants and accompanies us during our entire life.

In different corners of the world, art objects and rock art are the
depository of myths, rituals, and beliefs: Wandjina spirits of the
Kimberley or Quinkan spirits of Cape York peninsula in Australia, the
images of supernatural faces in the rock art of Helan-Shan in China,
the ancestral Kokopeli images and many others of Arizona in the US,
the imaginary sea-creatures of British Columbia, the surreal beings
depicted in the Tassili of North Africa, or the spirits departing on
boats in the rock art of Bohuslaan, Sweden and the decorations of
megalithic monuments along the Atlantic coasts of Europe, Portugal,
Spain, France, and Ireland have splendid tales to tell. Can we unite
in our attempts to unveil their fantastic stories?

Friends and colleagues are invited to join in making these images
known to the readers of EXPRESSION. These are all scholars and
students in the humanistic sciences in over 80 countries of five
continents. All these images may be well known to local specialists
but by diffusing worldwide their knowledge and meaning, and awakening
interest in their conceptual contents, an important step is taken:
they become active part of world culture.

The fear of interpreting is a complex of old-fashioned research. I
remember the words of an old professor, when I was a student over 60
years ago. He was telling us that the task of archaeologists and
anthropologists is limited to describing. Interpreting may cause
criticism. “If you want a quiet career, never say something that is
not already known.” The only innovation allowed is something like: “I
found a new, very old, flint point. If you show that point, no one can
say that you are wrong.” Luckily, the trend has changed for such
traditional disciplines as archaeology and anthropology. Without
attempts at interpretation, research will remain in the elementary
stage of description. And even at this stage all of us may make
mistakes. But should we prevent the human mind to go one step further?
Of course, if you are able to propose the story behind the image, this
will be most valuable. Can you reply to “Why”? Even If you present a
sound and documented interpretation there is always a possibility of
being criticized. If you know what you are talking about, do not be
afraid. Your text will stimulate and awaken debate. In any case it
will be a creative act. If your ideas are debatable, do not worry:
criticism will reach you without delay. Many friends and colleagues
are just looking for something to criticize, and you will no doubt
hear from them. But saying something even at the risk of being
criticized is an act of culture; having ideas and saying nothing is an
act of self-impeachment.

Research is progressing by trial and error. Even if you have no idea
about interpretation, just presenting puzzling images, describing them
and posing questions, will be an act of culture and consciously
sharing your queries with others. Never stop asking “Why?”. Every site
of rock art has motivations and meanings. Let us bring them to the
surface. By awakening interest on a world basis, we bring back to life
these sites of millenary memory and identity that have not so far been
given the attention they deserve. If you have a topic to propose,
please propose it. Write to <[log in to unmask]>. We look forward
to hearing from you.

Cordial regards and best wishes,

Emmanuel



Professor Emmanuel Anati

(General Editor of EXPRESSION)



P.S.: If you wish to receive a free copy of the last issue of
EXPRESSION journal please ask:

<[log in to unmask]>

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