ABSTRACT
Rock-art is more accessible than much prehistoric archaeology in England, both physically and intellectually. Most is found in the open landscape: no excavation is required, and the excitement of ‘discovery’ is open to anyone with keen eyes and determination. Further, as noted by Barnett, “absence of an orthodox interpretation makes rock-art more intriguing to people from a wide range of backgrounds, who feel more able to assign their own interpretations and values than they might if an entrenched academic explanation were available” (2010, 26). The lack of prescribed meaning makes rock-art a very ‘democratic’ part of the historic environment.
