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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]> ************************************************************* Anthropology Matters is a network of the ASA, who administer this list. https://anthropologymatters.com and https://theasa.org AM is used to communicate with postgraduate & postdoctoral anthropologists working in the UK and abroad to provide alerts to: new issues of the Open Access Anthropology Matters journal, and events of anthropological interest in the UK anthropology community such as conferences and seminars or funding opportunities. 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