Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Rock engravings present a fascinating yet complex subject for researchers and enthusiasts alike. These ancient markings, etched into stone surfaces, offer valuable insights into past cultures and civilizations. However, their interpretation often poses significant challenges.
3-D model of engraved chariots in Timna Park. Photo credit: Lena Dubinsky/Computational Archaeology Laboratory
The symbols and images can be highly stylized or abstract, making their meaning difficult to discern without extensive contextual knowledge.
A groundbreaking method to study this rock art has been pioneered by Ph.D. student Lena Dubinsky and Prof. Leore Grosman from the Computational Archaeology Laboratory at the Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology.
This method combines technological and visual analysis to reveal ancient techniques’ intricate details.
HF60 technique distribution as an example of most common technique distribution in Chariot’s human figures. Credit: Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10816-024-09658-5
The research uses ArchCUT3-D software to analyze 3D traits of rock engravings in Timna Park, Israel. This innovative approach offers new insights into the engravings’ production processes and cultural significance.
Historically, rock engravings were studied mainly for their visual aspects using comparative and interpretative methods. However, recent research on production processes has often overlooked visual results.
Now, the team’s research combines technological and visual analysis to provide a comprehensive view of ancient engraving techniques used once by ancient artists.
Sandstone cliffs in Timna Valley, Negev, Israel featuring King Solomon’s Pillars. Image credit: Little Savage – Public Domain
Lena Dubinsky explained that the team used ArchCUT3-D software to analyze 3D data from rock engravings. This method revealed micro-morphological evidence from engraved lines, showing technical trends and variations in the creation of these ancient artworks.
Researchers linked the techniques used to their visual guidelines by studying specific engraved figuress,” explained Dubinsky.
Researchers have introduced the concept of “techné” (combining both visual and technological aspects) to describe the selection of engraving techniques that incorporate deliberate design elements and cultural concepts.
AS path marked on lines that constituting the HF60 in the Chariots Engraving, avoiding line-crossings. Credit: Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10816-024-09658-5
In conclusion, the study underscores how social structures and individual actions influence production methods. It suggests that the decisions related to technique selection are not just individual choices, but are reflective of broader sociocultural contexts.
This study also shows how crucial is the role of digital tools in archaeological studies. This approach uses “techno-visual codes” and engraved “fingerprints” to better understand ancient societies’ cultural and technological nuances.
More information: Lena Dubinsky et al, Techné of Rock Engravings—the Timna Case Study, Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory (2024). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10816-024-09658-5
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
