Red‐coated rocks on the seashore: The esthetics and geology of prehistoric rock art in Alta, Arctic Norway

A new geological analysis of the UNESCO World Heritage rock engravings in Alta, Arctic Norway, reveals that the red iron films on the bedrock—once prominent along the prehistoric seashore—have faded due to land uplift and colonization by lichen and moss. The study suggests that these red-coated rocks were likely the primary surfaces for ancient carvings, now situated up to 26 meters above sea level after postglacial rebound. By examining sites like Hjemmeluft through field observations and mineralogical analysis, researchers determined that the red coloration stems from magnetite-rich sandstone, providing insights into the aesthetic choices of prehistoric artists and challenging current interpretations of site location. These findings have implications for conservation efforts, as they highlight the need to account for geological changes in managing and preserving these cultural heritage sites.

Tansem, K., & Storemyr, P. (2020). Red‐coated rocks on the seashore: The esthetics and geology of prehistoric rock art in Alta, Arctic Norway. Geoarchaeology, 36(2), 314–334. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.21832