Mação, Portugal. 11th – 13th April 2008
Rupestrian archaeology is a term used to characterise a methodological approach to the so-called phenomenon of “rock-art”. Above all, this approach epitomises observation this imagery through an archaeologist’s “eyes”, searching for elements that can be recognized, systematised and, of course, dated. Concepts like stratigraphy and typology have been used since rock-art studies began. Rupestrian Archaeology seeks to follow a path that starts with a precise collection of the data in the field, followed by meticulous organisation of the information, scientific analyses of materials and reconstruction of the events.
Painted and engraved figures are more than fragments of a Past or a Period. They are, in fact, in many cases, a direct material expression of the People of that Society and that Time.
An engraved axe can represents a complete object and the way it was brandished. Objects can be subjects. The scenic performance of moment meets the material vision of the past.
This three-day meeting presents and debates the progress of Rupestrian Archaeology over the last 20 years.
Guest speaker Dr. Chris Chippindale, University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
CALL FOR PAPERS
If you wish to present a paper or a poster, please send an abstract, up to 200 words, by 20th March 2008 to the scientific committee: Mila Simões de Abreu – msabreu@....
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
FRIDAY 11th April
Morning:
- Arrival of the participants
- Registration
- Guide visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Art of Mação
SATURDAY 12th April
9:30am – Chair by Cristiane Buco - Archaeological contexts.
Presentations –– Papers 11:00am – Coffee break
11:30am – Presentations of invited scholars and participating researchers. If you wish to take part, send an e-mail to the secretariat.
12:30pm – Lunch
2:30pm – Chair by Dr. Fernando Coimbra
Presentations of invited scholars and participating researchers
4:00pm – Coffee break
4:30pm Chair by Mila Simões de Abreu.
Conference by the guest speaker: -
Dr. Chris Chippindale, University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology—“Rock-Art and Archaeology”.
SUNDAY 13th April
9:30am – Chair by Dr. Chris Chippindale
Presentations of invited scholars and participating researchers
12:30pm – Lunch
3:00pm - Visit to Cobragança – Bronze Age engraved site and, if time permits, Ocreza river rock-art area
5:00pm - Final debate and conclusions Chair by Dr. Hipolito Collado.
THE VENUE
Mação is a small town with a little more then 2000 inhabitants in the district of Santarém in the Ribatejo region of central Portugal. The area has been inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic. Among a dozen engraved rocks, it is possible to observe on the banks of the Ocreza river an early example of rock-art of the so-called Tagus Valley complex. Several megalithic sites in the area, like the Anta da Foz do Rio Frio, have been excavated and studied. From the Bronze Age, it is possible to visit Castelo Velho do Caratão and from the Iron Age, the hillfort or Citânia de S. Miguel. Remains of the Roman occupation can been seen in Vale de Junco. Following the devastating fires of 2003, a complete archaeological survey of the area was undertaken and more than 400 sites were identified. Mação was the headquarters of the Portuguese and British troops commanded by English Marshal Conte Lippe. In 1762, more than 15000 soldiers were based there. Among the many natural attractions, visitors can enjoy the spas of Ladeira and Fadagosa and several river beaches like the one of Ortiga.
The course will take place in the seminar room of the Museum.
The MUSEUM
The Prehistoric art Museum was recently reorganized and a new permanent exhibition entitled “um risco na paisagem” (a line in the landscape) introduces the public to the archaeology of the region. It is possible to make a virtual visit at http://81.193.119.47/~museu/. The Museum has a library specialised in Archaeology that is open to the public.
HOW TO ARRIVE
Mação is easily to reach by car from Lisbon following A1 and A23 motorways. Several trains depart daily from Estação do Oriente in Lisbon to Alvega/Ortiga (Mação). A bus service to the town is available. For more information see the web site of the “CP—Comboios de Portugal” (http://www.cp.pt/) menu on the left, “Horários e preços”.
WHERE STAY
The participants can stay for free in the Camping area of Ortiga. Free transport to the village will be available two times a day during the course.
The Residential Mansino has several single and double rooms – €22.50 per person. Price includes breakfast.
Rooms in private house are also available at request €15/20 euros per person. Contact the Secretariat at Museum.
OTHER ACTIVITIES – A practical Seminar On Methods And Techniques of Recording Rock-Art will take place from the 14th – 16th of April. Course participants will only be charged a special price of 25 euros.
REGISTRATION
The registration fee is €10. For all information and registration send an e-mail to the Secretariat: “Rupestian Archaeology” c/o Museu de Arte Pré-Histórica e do Sagrado no Vale do Tejo, Largo Infante D.Henrique, 6120-750 Mação Portugal. E-mail museu@....
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