News & Events
Ireland Fieldwork Complete
The Heritage and Science: Working Together in the CARE of Rock Art project completed its third and final data collection exercise in early September. The team included Dr Aron Mazel, Dr Myra Giesen and Peter Lewis from Newcastle University with Dr Patricia Warke and Dr Rebecca Enlander from Queen’s University Belfast.
The team visited several rock art sites in Donegal, Ireland to gather further scientific data on the contributing factors to rock art decay. As usual soil samples were taken but unfortunately, and not for the first time, the XRF machine broke down so it was impossible to analyse the rock composition. This will be done at a later date. The findings, along with the written recordings of risk factors at the panels, will help to further shape the tool kit and management guide that aim to help protect rock art.
Twenty four panels were analysed in a variety of conditions, some almost perfect but others were very eroded. This was very helpful in providing a variety of data that can be used to analyse what factors are affecting their condition. Despite very high concentrations of rock art, especially in an area called Doagh Island, these were all on private land and not signposted or easily accessible.
The fieldwork element of the project is now complete. The next phase of the project will focus on continuing with consultations over the toolkit and management guide with a view to disseminating the final products in January.
Last modified: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 10:45:37 BST