ABSTRACT
The various regions of South America contain a rich and diverse assemblage of prehistoric engraved and painted rock art. This assemblage has begun to receive interest in terms of theoretical discourse, in particular, understanding the philosophical structures that bind the artist with art and the landscape. Bearing this in mind, this chapter explores these structures presumably present within rock art from two very distinct landscapes of South America: the Serra da Capivara in north-east Brazil and the Limrí Basin within the mountainous hinterland region of central Andean Chile. I will argue that two strands of social complexity exist, one universal, the other localised and specific; each strand, though, represents a collective mindset that represents social responsibility and complexity within organised societies that use and manipulate artistic endeavour as a means of visual communication.
