– The worst things they do is scratch the rock, it’s direct vandalism. And then there may be some who are thoughtless, who simply don’t think about the fact that this could cause damage, says county archaeologist Trine Johnson in Nordland. The county municipality is responsible for cultural monuments being documented and taken care of. So far this summer, Johnson has reported two incidents where rock art has been damaged. Where these are located, or what type of damage is involved, she will not say anything about, as the police will investigate the cases. There have been several incidents in recent years. Three years ago, it was discovered that someone had drawn a lineman, a name and a date on the 9,000-year-old rock carvings at Leiknes, in Hamarøy municipality (formerly Tysfjord). Also in Alstahaug, in 2016 vandalism was discovered on several well-known rock carvings. Later, two minors confessed, who only wanted to make the known petroglyphs a little clearer. – The holiday season is the worst time, we never know when we will receive a message or discover new injuries. County archaeologist in Nordland, Trine Johnson, is concerned that several rock art works may be destroyed by people on tour. Photo: Amanda Åsberg / news Rock art is designated as protected cultural heritage. If someone tries to destroy these, they can be punished with imprisonment for up to two years. The county archaeologist says she has a low threshold for reporting, although it can often be difficult to find out who is behind it. Rock art Rock art is a term for prehistoric motifs found on loose boulders, on solid rock, and in caves and slabs. More than 1,700 localities with rock art and over 30,000 figurines have been registered across the country. Most of the rock images in western Norway are carved into rock surfaces, and are often found on the coast and along the fjords, but can also be found in some areas in the mountains. From the oldest periods in the Stone Age, about 7,000–6,000 years ago, the motifs are often animal and human figures, but there are also abstract patterns. In the Neolithic and Bronze Ages you also find boat figures and what are interpreted as sun figures and fertility symbolism. There are also bowl pits, smaller bowl-shaped depressions, which are often found on block stones. Source: The University of Bergen and the Swedish National Archives Think the temptation will be too great One of those who has worked to preserve the ancient works of art around the country is specialist director Eva Walderhaug at the Swedish National Archives. They see the same problem all over the country, especially in the summer. – We believe that it can help with physical measures such as securing, but good information on site is the most important thing. Subject director Eva Walderhaug says they are working to secure the rock art, and believes more knowledge will make people understand how unique these are. Photo: John H. Ulvøy, Helgelands Blad Nevertheless, they see that rock art in particular does something to people. – The damage was not done with malicious intent, but there is a bit of ignorance. There is something about rock art that makes it extra tempting to scratch the rock and make your own marks. – Why do you think that is so? – It may have something to do with cultural monuments where someone has left their mark, then it is tempting for others to do the same. That’s a real shame. These are very, very, old and vulnerable cultural monuments. There is rock art in several places in Norway, but what is special here is the polished rock art. The experts believe that the oldest were made by people who lived in this country up to 9,000 years ago. Damage to these cannot be repaired. The county archaeologist in Nordland is upset when she sees pictures on Instagram of people walking or sitting on the rock art. – It is not good when people sit by petroglyphs. We even wear stockings when we go into the fields, says Johnson. Hiking boots can drag stones and sand with them, which over time can wear away the art in the rock. She refers to the rock formation Marble Castle in Rana, which has become very well known on social media. The wear and tear from people led those looking after the area to ask people to take off their shoes when visiting the area. The county archaeologist in Nordland points out that the rock art was not tagging 9,000 years ago, but had a function in its time and tells a story for posterity. She hopes people enjoy nature as it is. – Think about what you’re doing, enjoy the art, and don’t leave any traces behind. Rock art Rock art is a term for prehistoric motifs found on loose boulders, on solid rock, and in caves and slabs. More than 1,700 localities with rock art and over 30,000 figurines have been registered across the country. Most of the rock images in western Norway are carved into rock surfaces, and are often found on the coast and along the fjords, but can also be found in some areas in the mountains. From the oldest periods in the Stone Age, about 7,000–6,000 years ago, the motifs are often animal and human figures, but there are also abstract patterns. In the Neolithic and Bronze Ages you also find boat figures and what are interpreted as sun figures and fertility symbolism. There are also bowl pits, smaller bowl-shaped depressions, which are often found on block stones. Source: University of Bergen and the National Archives
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Reports damage to several thousand-year-old rock art – news Nordland
