Rock Art and the Wild Mind. Visual Imagery in Mesolithic Northern Europe

A groundbreaking reinterpretation of Mesolithic rock art in northern Europe, particularly at sites like Alta, Vingen, and Nämforsen, reveals a sophisticated visual culture rooted in shamanic or altered states of consciousness. Ingrid Fuglestvedt's work synthesizes extensive archaeological data with diverse theoretical frameworks—ranging from cognitive archaeology to ethnographic analogies—to propose that these ancient images were not merely symbolic but likely represented ritualistic practices tied to spiritual experiences. Unlike traditional summaries, this research avoids mere description, instead offering a nuanced, highly detailed analysis that challenges conventional interpretations of the region's rock art.

Taçon, P. (2019). Rock Art and the Wild Mind. Visual Imagery in Mesolithic Northern Europe. Norwegian Archaeological Review, 52(2), 182–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/00293652.2019.1669696