Rock art can be viewed as part of everyone’s cultural heritage or as part of a specific groups’ cultural heritage. It is this difference of thought that can cause much debate on who should have access to and how to manage rock art sites. One way to ensure that the heritage is preserved regardless of what happens to the rock art itself is to record the stories that go along with the art. “Collecting and archiving [stories], with due respect for the traditional owners and in accordance with their wishes about what can or cannot be published, is as much a duty as preserving the art and its natural and archeological contexts” (Clottes, 2008:6). There is just some knowledge that is not meant to be learned or recorded. Indigenous people have the
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Additionally, Jean Clottes, an advocate for rock art preservation asserts that “it is always advisable, whenever possible, to incorporate local populations in the management and eventual commercial exploitation of the sites and in their conservation” (Clottes, 2008: …show more content…
It is timeless. The mere fact that rock art is still being created today and is still taken care of by indigenous groups all around the world asserts its importance in their everyday life. Not including them in discussions about access and management is not only disrespectful it is also foolish. Groups that consider rock art sites to be a part of their heritage want to ensure that the sites are managed correctly. They hold a stake in the site worth much more than any other party. The opportunity to learn from them, if allowed, would not only enrich the experience of engaging with the rock art, it would also provide valuable information about how the group defines management and access. In developing protocols together, cultural resource managers, governments, and indigenous groups can come up with a plan that is beneficial to everyone. It is essential for all parties to get a deeper understanding of each other’s views in order to not attack one another and produce a successful access and management
Additionally, Jean Clottes, an advocate for rock art preservation asserts that “it is always advisable, whenever possible, to incorporate local populations in the management and eventual commercial exploitation of the sites and in their conservation” (Clottes, 2008: …show more content…
It is timeless. The mere fact that rock art is still being created today and is still taken care of by indigenous groups all around the world asserts its importance in their everyday life. Not including them in discussions about access and management is not only disrespectful it is also foolish. Groups that consider rock art sites to be a part of their heritage want to ensure that the sites are managed correctly. They hold a stake in the site worth much more than any other party. The opportunity to learn from them, if allowed, would not only enrich the experience of engaging with the rock art, it would also provide valuable information about how the group defines management and access. In developing protocols together, cultural resource managers, governments, and indigenous groups can come up with a plan that is beneficial to everyone. It is essential for all parties to get a deeper understanding of each other’s views in order to not attack one another and produce a successful access and management