Petroglyphs in Ireland
The prehistoric petroglyphs in Ireland were found on natural and man-made surfaces. Since the MacWhite study of 1946, the number of sites that do not relate to the decoration of megalithic structures (such as Knowth , Loughcrew or Newgrange ) has more than doubled to 116.
They can be derivatives or represent an independent (though related) tradition of rock art. The analysis shows that the motif repertoire is limited compared to other parts of Europe. Only four pictorial or hierogram-like types have been recognized in Ireland :
- Bowl (cupmarks)
- Cup-and-ring markings
- linear motifs ( Cave of the Scribing )
- few motifs "of a different kind".
The sites are on steep slopes, at low altitudes, near bodies of water and in areas with good soil quality. This suggests that they were raised near settlements. Petroglyph places can be interpreted as places of worship. They show variations at the local but not at the regional level. This is different from the other places of worship of the period, in particular burials show variations on both levels. Petroglyph motifs transcend the regional boundaries indicated by grave types. In County Kerry , the largest concentration of petroglyphs (Aghacarrible, Ballynahow Beg, find Derrynablaha , Kealduff). Although the evidence is fragile, the spectrum ranges from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age . The rock carvings show correspondences with other motifs from this period. Circular motifs remain largely restricted to the ritual context, while linear motifs are found in various contexts.
literature
- Susan Ann Johnston: Prehistoric Irish petroglyphs: Their analysis and interpretation in anthropological context. Dissertation, University of Pennsylvania 1989.