Scotland's rock art in context; Dr Barnett leads the first major research project focusing on British rock art
Dr Tertia Barnett, will lead the first major research project focusing on British prehistoric rock art, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). (Published 22nd June 2016.)
Dr Tertia Barnett, an Honorary Fellow in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, will lead the first major research project focusing on British prehistoric rock art, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The five year project, which has a one million pound budget, is to be hosted by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). Edinburgh University will be closely involved in the research, with Dr Guillaume Robin (also from the School of History, Classics and Archaeology), and Stuart Jeffery (Glasgow School of Art) as Co-Investigators. Project partners are Archaeology Scotland, Kilmartin Museum, and the North of Scotland Archaeology Society (NOSAS).
Around 6,000 rocks with 'cup-and-ring' carvings are known in Britain, with over 2,000 of these located in Scotland.
The carvings, which are thought to date from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age (c.4000-2000 BC), form part of a broader European rock art tradition. The purpose of the carvings and their significance to prehistoric and more recent communities is poorly understood.
The project will work with local communities and heritage organisations across Scotland to generate a comprehensive digital database of Scottish rock art, including 2D and 3D models. The database will be used to inform a detailed, contextual analysis of the carvings, and to address key research questions.
For more information see www.hiddenheritage.org.uk