graffiti and rock art on the ridge
TRANSCRIPT
The Ridge, Rocks and Springs:The Ridge, Rocks and Springs:
Graffiti and Rock-Art on Graffiti and Rock-Art on the Ridgethe Ridge
P.Winn 2015P.Winn 2015
Why study this?Why study this?
• It is an inscription of the social history of the Ridge
• Today’s graffiti is tomorrow’s rock art• We have found an example of pre-
historic rock art and want to see if we can find more.
Cup marks on a boulder found Cup marks on a boulder found at Eddisburyat Eddisbury
Cup marks in a cave in Cup marks in a cave in BotswanaBotswana
Recent studiesRecent studies
• Nash, George, 2010. “Graffiti-art: Can it hold the key to the placing of prehistoric rock art?” Time and Mind, .3:1, 41-62
• ERA: “England’s Rock Art”h
ttp://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/era/section/access.jsf
• Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Survey http://www.medieval-graffiti.co.uk/
Part One: The project brief
Part Two: Discussion about the significance
of graffiti and what we might learn about it
Project BriefProject Brief• Stage 1: a broad survey of the entire
Ridge, identifying locations where significant graffiti might exist.
• Graffiti attracts graffiti at “hot spots”• We are looking for sites of significant
density (how many inscriptions within one square metre?)
• We would also like to find: – Dates, names or inscriptions (i.e. longer than
simple initials) and pictorial and carved images
• Stage 2: a more detailed examination of selected sites
Tool marks near Maiden CastleTool marks near Maiden Castle
Panel at Urchin’s KitchenPanel at Urchin’s Kitchen
Urchin’s Kitchen: detailsUrchin’s Kitchen: details
Skulls in cave near Mad Allen’s Skulls in cave near Mad Allen’s HoleHole
Dating ProblemsDating Problems
• It may be possible to tell from the style of lettering whether the carving is of any great age, but carvers can often be deliberately misleading.
• Was John Lennon at Delamere?• “The Fitzball Hoax”
Recent visitors to the Old Recent visitors to the Old PalePale
Where to lookWhere to look
• We would like to survey the entire length of the Ridge but we should prioritise particular locations:– Rock outcrops close to known pre-
historic or historic sites (e.g. Hillforts)
– Quarries– Caves or rock overhangs– Sites with a high density of graffiti
Things to look out forThings to look out for• Don’t overlook the possibility of very large
scale images that stretch beyond the close-up field of vision
• Note the height of the images: are they out of arm’s reach or surprisingly low-down?
• Has the stone been worked (e.g. in a quarry) or is it natural?
• Is it sheltered from the weather or exposed?
• What else is significant about the location (a view, perhaps, or proximity to some other natural or man-made feature) ?
RecordingRecording• At Stage 1 we are simply looking for basic
information that can be entered on the General Survey Report Form.
• It is desirable to take photographs, in which case you will need the following equipment:– Digital camera– Scale– Lighting source (please experiment with torches
and different angles)
– A spray of water may help to enhance the carvings
CleaningCleaning• Any recording must be non-destructive. Do
not use any abrasive materials to clean the surface or try to re-carve, paint or chalk the engravings.
• However, if it is necessary to remove litter or vegetation that is obscuring the carvings use your hands and no more than an old toothbrush with the minimum of force.
• Where you think the carving may be very old do not try to remove lichens, moss or algae.
PrecautionsPrecautions
• The Sandstone Ridge Trust cannot take responsibility for your safety. Please do not take risks on rock faces. When the most significant sites have been identified at Stage 1 we will go on, in Stage 2, to explore selected ones in more detail with due attention to the necessary safety precautions.
• If you think there may be carvings on private property please get the permission of the landowner before viewing them.
• To avoid duplication, please let your area contact person know which locations you will be looking at.
Part Two: DiscussionPart Two: DiscussionCan we compare…
Modern city graffitiand
Graffiti on the Ridgewith
Ancient rock art ?
Ancient rock art in Northumberland Ancient rock art in Northumberland & Cheshire& Cheshire
Rock paintings in BotswanaRock paintings in Botswana
City GraffitiCity Graffiti
Graffiti on the RidgeGraffiti on the Ridge
Some points of comparison…
– where is it found?– what subjects are represented?– are specific events recorded?– how is the graffiti made and with what
tools?– what is the age and gender of the
artists? – how much time is committed to the
work?– how do different pieces relate to each
other at the same location?
Common purposes…
Decoration?Ideology?Therapy?
Fame?