bergkunst

Bergkunst, literally "mountain art" in German, is a term used in archaeology and art history to denote rock art found in mountainous environments. It encompasses imagery created on rock faces by human groups in highland regions from prehistoric to historic periods. While the term is often applied to Alpine contexts in Central Europe, it also refers to similar mountain rock-art traditions in other regions.

Bergkunst appears mainly as petroglyphs (carvings or pecked designs on rock) and pictographs (painted images). Motifs vary widely but commonly include human figures, animals, hunting scenes, symbols, and abstract signs. The artworks are frequently interpreted as expressions of ritual activity, cosmology, territorial markers, or practical knowledge related to seasonal rounds and migration.

Regional emphasis and examples: the Alps host extensive rock-art landscapes; the Val Camonica (Valle Camonica) in northern Italy is one of the most important alpine sites and is recognized for its rich repertoire of prehistoric carvings.

Dating and interpretation: Bergkunst is dated by methods such as radiocarbon dating of organic materials found with the art, stratigraphic context, and, in some cases, analyses of lichen growth on rock surfaces to estimate exposure durations. Interpretations are often debated and may combine religious, social, and everyday dimensions.

Preservation and access: many sites are fragile and exposed to weathering, erosion, climate change, and vandalism. Documentation, mapping, and digital recording, along with legal protections and visitor management, aim to safeguard Bergkunst while allowing researchers and the public to study and appreciate it.