Explorations of Variability in Australian Prehistoric Rock Engravings

Acknowledging problems inherent in dating Australian rock art, Natalie Franklin approaches a group of engravings known as the Panaramitee style' in terms of its spatial variation. By assessing the diversity and distribution of this style both regionally and on an Australian-wide scale, and by setting up a typology of these non-figurative motifs, she reveals that different motifs are emphasised in certain regions. This pattern of variability between and within regions is argued to be due to the fact that these motifs are associated with parts of Dreaming tracks which are a feature of Australian cosmology. The fact that these motifs may have a variety of meanings Franklin argues may account for their continued use over a period of at least 14,000 years.