Examines a host of rock art sites from Nova Scotia to Maryland
Rock art, petroglyphs, and pictographs have been made by indigenous
peoples for thousands of years. Images have been found on bedrock, cliff
faces, ridge tops, and boulders and in rock shelters. Some rock surfaces
are covered with abstract and geometric designs such as concentric
circles, zigzag lines, grids, and cross-hatched and ladder-like
patterns. Others depict humans, footprints and handprints, mammals,
serpents, and mythic creatures. All were meticulously pecked, incised or
painted. This ancient art form connects us to Native Americans' past,
traditions, world views, and sacred places.
Rock Art in an Indigenous Landscape: From Atlantic Canada to Chesapeake
Bay is the culmination of the research of preeminent rock art scholar
Edward J. Lenik. Here, he profiles more than 64 examples of rock art in
varied locations from Nova Scotia to Maryland. Chapters are organized
geographically and lead the reader through coastal sites, rivers and
streams, lakes and ponds, and upland sites.
Lenik discusses the rock art examples in the context of the indigenous
landscape, noting the significance of the place of discovery. Coverage
includes a meticulous description of the design or motif and suggestions
of time frame, artist-makers, and interpretations. Where possible,
indigenous views on the artifacts enrich the narrative. Other invaluable
elements are a discussion of how to identify indigenous rock art; a
glossary of rock art terms and features and archaeological culture
periods; an up-to-date bibliography; and an appendix of a number of
reported but unconfirmed petroglyph sites in the regions.
