Design and connectivity : the case of Atlantic rock art
Circles, cup-marks and wavy lines are some of the most emblematic motifs associated with Atlantic Rock Art. The term 'Atlantic' was only introduced in the 1940s and is used throughout this thesis as it reflects the widespread distribution of the prehistoric assemblage of rock art, but also the geographic scope of this investigation. This particular iconography is known from Portugal, through to Spain, Ireland, England and up to Scotland, sharing a number of characteristics. Prior to the use of this expression, Atlantic Art was known by a variety of designations that demonstrate the fragmented character of its historiography and the regional nature of investigations. In 1997 Bradley's study introduced a turning point in investigations, with an inter-regional approach and the premise of Landscape Archaeology. This contrasted with traditional studies, more focused on the motifs and creation of typologies, failing to view Atlantic Art holistically, as a socially meaningful practice. In this thesis I set out to investigate differences and similarities of Atlantic Art. I define what its quintessential characteristics are beyond the motif typologies, and identify regional variations. Contextualizing these similarities
Valdez-Tullett, Joana
Design and connectivity : the case of Atlantic rock art. Circles, cup-marks and wavy lines are some of the most emblematic motifs associated with Atlantic Rock Art. The term 'Atlantic' was only introduced in the 1940s and is used throughout this thesis as it reflects the widespread distribution of the prehistoric assemblage of rock art, but also the geographic scope of this investigation. This particular iconography is known from Portugal, through to Spain, Ireland, England and up to Scotland, sharing a number of characteristics. Prior to the use of this expression, Atlantic Art was known by a variety of designations that demonstrate the fragmented character of its historiography and the regional nature of investigations. In 1997 Bradley's study introduced a turning point in investigations, with an inter-regional approach and the premise of Landscape Archaeology. This contrasted with traditional studies, more focused on the motifs and creation of typologies, failing to view Atlantic Art holistically, as a socially meaningful practice. In this thesis I set out to investigate differences and similarities of Atlantic Art. I define what its quintessential characteristics are beyond the motif typologies, and identify regional variations. Contextualizing these similarities
design connectivity case atlantic rock_art cup marks line emblematic motif associate atlantic rock_art term atlantic introduce use throughout reflect widespread_distribution prehistoric assemblage rock_art also geographic scope investigation particular iconography know portugal spain ireland england_scotland share number characteristic prior use expression atlantic art know variety designation fragment character historiography regional nature investigation study introduce turn_point investigation inter_regional premise landscape_archaeology contrast traditional study_focus motifs creation typology fail view atlantic art holistically socially meaningful practice set_investigate difference_similarity atlantic art define quintessential characteristic beyond motif typology identify regional_variation contextualizing similarity