World Heritage Identification Number: 557
World Heritage since: 1994
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Archaeological Sites
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇸🇪 Sweden
Continent: Europe
UNESCO World Region: Europe and North America
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Unraveling the Mysteries of the Rock Carvings in Tanum: A Journey into the Past
The Rock Carvings in Tanum, located in the northern region of Bohuslän, Sweden, stand as a testament to the rich artistic achievements of the Bronze Age. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, these petroglyphs offer a captivating glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and culture of ancient European societies.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The rock carvings in Tanum, in the north of Bohuslän, are a unique artistic achievement not only for their rich and varied motifs (depictions of humans and animals, weapons, boats and other subjects) but also for their cultural and chronological unity. They reveal the life and beliefs of people in Europe during the Bronze Age and are remarkable for their large numbers and outstanding quality.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (i): The rock carvings of the Tanum region constitute an outstanding example of Bronze Age art of the highest quality.
Criterion (iii): The range of motifs on the Tanum rock carvings provides exceptional evidence of many aspects of life in the European Bronze Age.
Criterion (iv): The continuity of settlement and the ongoing practice of agriculture, as illustrated by the Tanum region’s rock carvings, archaeological vestiges, and modern landscape features, combine to demonstrate a remarkable permanence during eight thousand years of human history.
Encyclopedia Record: Rock Carvings in Tanum
The Rock Carvings in Tanum are a collection of petroglyphs near Tanumshede, Bohuslän, Sweden, which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 because of their high concentration.Additional Site Details
Area: 4,137.609 hectares
Number of Components: 1
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
Coordinates: 58.70111 , 11.34111
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Unknown, Public domain
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Rock Carvings in Tanum from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Bringing it all together
A photogrammetric survey of the Bronze Age rock art panel Tanum 247:1 in Kalleby, Sweden, uncovered a previously undocumented boat carving that had eluded researchers for over 50 years. This discovery underscores the potential of integrating digital and traditional documentation methods to enhance our understanding of ancient rock art. By combining historical records with modern techniques, the study not only verified the new finding but also advocated for more comprehensive future surveys—both to uncover hidden carvings and to generate richer datasets for archaeological research. The approach demonstrates how cross-disciplinary collaboration can bridge gaps in long-standing documentation efforts.
Potter, R., Horn, C., & Meijer, E. (2022). Bringing it all together. Danish Journal of Archaeology, 11. https://doi.org/10.7146/dja.v11i.131913
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Giving the Past a Future: Essays in Archaeology and Rock Art Studies in Honour of Dr. Phil. h.c. Gerhard Milstreu
A collection of scholarly essays celebrates Dr. Gerhard Milstreu's 40-year contribution to rock art research and documentation, highlighting his pioneering work in promoting the significance of images in archaeology, fostering international collaboration, and engaging the public with prehistoric art. The volume brings together contributions from Europe, addressing themes such as rock art interpretation, technological advancements in recording, and public involvement. It reflects Milstreu's emphasis on giving the past a future by encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Dodd, J., & Meijer, E. (Eds.). (2018). Giving the Past a Future: Essays in Archaeology and Rock Art Studies in Honour of Dr. Phil. h.c. Gerhard Milstreu. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1zckxjp
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‘Changing of the Guards’
Heritage management's traditional approach to cultural preservation, exemplified by the rock carvings at Tanum in Sweden, prioritizes public accessibility and participation while adhering to a strict epistemological standpoint on authenticity. This perspective values cultural heritage solely based on its historical significance, influencing how these sites are handled, staged, presented, and preserved. The study highlights ethical considerations in heritage management, particularly the relationship between managers and the public, as well as the balance between preservation and accessibility.
Gustafsson, A., & Karlsson, H. (2012). ‘Changing of the Guards’. The Oxford Handbook of Public Archaeology, 478–495. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199237821.013.0025
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