[Archport] 11º Curso Intensivo de Arte Pré-Hisórica Europeia (Mação, 11-13 Abril 2008)

["Luiz Oosterbeek" <loost@ipt.pt>]

          

 

RUPESTRIAN ARCHAEOLOGY

 

 

 

An Archaeological Vision of Rock-Art

 

11Th INTENSIVE COURSE OF EUROPEAN PREHISTORIC ART

Mação, Portugal. 11^th – 13^th April 2008

 

Rupestrian archaeology is a term used to characterise a methodological approach to the so-called phenomenon of “rock-art”. Above all, this approach epitomises observation this imagery through an archaeologist’s “eyes”, searching for elements that can be recognized, systematised and, of course, dated. Concepts like stratigraphy and typology have been used since rock-art studies began. Rupestrian Archaeology seeks to follow a path that starts with a precise collection of the data in the field, followed by meticulous organisation of the information, scientific analyses of materials and reconstruction of the events.

Painted and engraved figures are more than fragments of a Past or a Period. They are, in fact, in many cases, a direct material _expression_ of the People of that Society and that Time.

An engraved axe can represents a complete object and the way it was brandished. Objects can be subjects. The scenic performance of moment meets the material vision of the past.

This three-day meeting presents and debates the progress of Rupestrian Archaeology over the last 20 years.

Guest speaker Dr. Chris Chippindale, University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

 

CALL FOR PAPERS

 

If you wish to present a paper or a poster, please send an abstract, up to 200 words, by 20^th March 2008 to the scientific committee: Mila Simões de Abreu – msabreu@utad.pt.

 

 

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME

 

FRIDAY 11^th April

Morning:

- Arrival of the participants

- Registration

- Guide visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Art of Mação

 

2:30pm – Opening of the Course

Introduction: “Rupestrian Archaeology—twenty years of studies”. Mila Simões de Abreu (UTAD/ Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge)

3.30pm – Chair by Guillermo Munoz - Theory and Method

Presentations – Papers 

18.30pm - Wine reception “Porto de Honra” at the Museum.

 

SATURDAY 12^th April

9:30am – Chair by Cristiane Buco - Archaeological contexts.

Presentations –– Papers 11:00am  – Coffee break

11:30am – Presentations of invited scholars and participating researchers. If you wish to take part, send an e-mail to the secretariat.

12:30pm – Lunch

2:30pm – Chair by Dr. Fernando Coimbra

Presentations of invited scholars and participating researchers

4:00pm – Coffee break

4:30pm Chair by Mila Simões de Abreu.

Conference by the guest speaker: -

Dr. Chris Chippindale, University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology—“Rock-Art and Archaeology”.

 

Dr. Chippindale is world acclaimed rock-art researcher with field experience in Europe, Africa and Australia. Among his vast set of publications is the book “Rock-Art and Archaeology”, which he edited with Paul Taçon, published by Cambridge University Press.  Presently, he is Reader in Archaeology, Curator for British Archaeology of the University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Professor at the Rock Art Research Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Research Associate at the Centre for Archaeological Research, Australian National University, Canberra.

 

SUNDAY 13^th April

9:30am – Chair by Dr. Chris Chippindale

Presentations of invited scholars and participating researchers

12:30pm – Lunch

3:00pm - Visit to Cobragança – Bronze Age engraved site and, if time permits, Ocreza river rock-art area

5:00pm  - Final debate and conclusions Chair by Dr. Hipolito Collado.

 

THE VENUE

Mação is a small town with a little more then 2000 inhabitants in the district of Santarém in the Ribatejo region of central Portugal.  The area has been inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic. Among a dozen engraved rocks, it is possible to observe on the banks of the Ocreza river an early example of rock-art of the so-called Tagus Valley complex. Several megalithic sites in the area, like the Anta da Foz do Rio Frio, have been excavated and studied. From the Bronze Age, it is possible to visit Castelo Velho do Caratão and from the Iron Age, the hillfort or Citânia de S. Miguel. Remains of the Roman occupation can been seen in Vale de Junco. Following the devastating fires of 2003, a complete archaeological survey of the area was undertaken and more than 400 sites were identified. Mação was the headquarters of the Portuguese and British troops commanded by English Marshal Conte Lippe. In 1762, more than 15000 soldiers were based there. Among the many natural attractions, visitors can enjoy the spas of Ladeira and Fadagosa and several river beaches like the one of Ortiga.

 

The course will take place in the seminar room of the Museum.

 

The MUSEUM 

The Prehistoric art Museum was recently reorganized and a new permanent exhibition entitled “um risco na paisagem” (a line in the landscape) introduces the public to the archaeology of the region.  It is possible to make a virtual visit at http://81.193.119.47/~museu/. The Museum has a library specialised in Archaeology that is open to the public.

 

HOW TO ARRIVE

Mação is easily to reach by car from Lisbon following A1 and A23 motorways. Several trains depart daily from Estação do Oriente in Lisbon to Alvega/Ortiga (Mação). A bus service to the town is available. For more information see the web site of the “CP—Comboios de Portugal” (http://www.cp.pt/) menu on the left, “Horários e preços”.

 

WHERE STAY

The participants can stay for free in the Camping area of Ortiga. Free transport to the village will be available two times a day during the course.

The Residential Mansino has several single and double rooms – €22.50 per person. Price includes breakfast.

Rooms in private house are also available at request €15/20 euros per person. Contact the Secretariat at Museum.

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES – A practical Seminar On Methods And Techniques of Recording Rock-Art will take place from the 14^th – 16^th of April. Course participants will only be charged a special price of 25 euros.

 

REGISTRATION

The registration fee is €10. For all information and registration send an e-mail to the Secretariat: “Rupestian Archaeology” c/o Museu de Arte Pré-Histórica e do Sagrado no Vale do Tejo, Largo Infante D.Henrique, 6120-750 Mação Portugal. E-mail museu@cm-macao.pt.