Prehistoric Rock Art and Landscape: the outcrops and its forms were certainly not simple carving surfaces

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to focus the importance of dialog between outcrops morphology and prehistoric motifs engraved or inscribed in them. Altogether, these elements form a well-adapted methodology that contributes to interpretation of rock art and prehistoric landscapes. The theoretical framework was based in the landscape assumptions proposed by C. Tilley (2002): “physical” world is not simply made of inert things, but full of significant properties that matter to its inhabitants. In this sense, outcrops and their forms were not simple surfaces to carve, but acting agents that added meanings to these rock art places and stories to tell for posterity. The rock engravings of Crastoeiro (Mondim de Bastos) and Lage dos Sinais/Monte do Olheiro (Barcelos) form the first and second case studies. In both cases there appears to be an inter and deep relationship between the topography of the engraved outcrops and the topography where they are located. By the arrangement of the motifs in the outcrops, both cases evidence intentional will to influence how to look to the slopes and ridges of both hills, probably of great symbolism during the past. The third case study is Santo Adrião, in the parish of Âncora (Caminha). In this case, either the orientation of the slope of the outcrop and the engraved weapons indicate a narrative of blind and passive deposition of weapons. A fourth case study, which clearly illustrates these assumptions, is Fornelos, in the parish of Carreço (Viana do Castelo). In different panels, several equines,horsemen, a dog, and an anthropomorphic were engraved. The space chosen for the carvings of these signs, the orientation of motifs, the topography of the outcrop and its coloration create an impressive scenic effect for its audience. At the same time, all these elements appear to tell a real or a mythical narrative, where horses and horsemen seem to have travelled a certain path - narrowed, poorly lighted, and limited – from where only a few would return. A fifth case study consists in the different outcrops engraved with footprints identified at Monte de São Romão (Guimarães). Here, the orientation of footprints, and their dialogue with the outcrops orientations suggest certain paths, related to some kind of symbolic interpretation. During the difficult task of interpreting past landscape, it is important to think in outcrops not as simple carving surfaces, but as active elements in the surroundings, already bearers of stories and senses in the landscape, resulting from the complex social structures and, at the same time, acting as actors in between that structure.