In episode 167, Dr. Alan Garfinkel interviews author and conservationist Alan Ehrgott about his recent book, The Elusive Conquest of Queen Califa: California History Revisited . The discussion explores the Indigenous peoples of Baja California, the arrival of Spanish explorers and missionaries, and the role of rock art as a visual record of history, belief, and cultural survival. Ehrgott describes how his work blends historical research, memoir, adventure travel, and historical fiction, drawing ...
Jun 19, 2026•45 min•Ep. 167
In episode 166, Dr. Alan Garfinkel continues his discussion of a major Coso rock art panel, focusing on recurring symbolic elements and their possible cosmological meanings. He examines prominent figures depicted with snakes and distinctive staff-like wands, drawing on insights from researcher Bernard Jones and Hopi ceremonial traditions to explore connections between rock art, the winter solstice, and beliefs about maintaining cosmic balance. Alan discusses Indigenous concepts of the sun and mo...
Jun 05, 2026•43 min•Ep. 166
In episode 165, Dr. Alan Garfinkel interviews Dr. Meenakshi Dubey-Paik about her decades of research on India’s rock art, including extensive work on painted rock shelters. She describes how some tribes treat certain sites as sacred for vows, offerings, and festivals, using signs/symbols, animal imagery, dance, and music-induced trance, while noting cultural change from relocation and the addition of later shrines (e.g., Shiva/Kali) that shifts attention away from older images. Meenakshi highlig...
May 22, 2026•47 min•Ep. 165
Host Dr. Alan Garfinkel interviews Dr. John Bellezza about his path from traveling in India and Tibet in the 1980s to focusing on Tibetan prehistory, archaeology, cosmology, and rock art, later earning a PhD at the University of Kent based on prior publications. Bellezza stresses learning Tibetan languages and working in the field as Tibet opened to travelers in 1984, then turning to pre-Buddhist traditions often erased or absorbed by Buddhism and long neglected by scholars. He describes discove...
May 08, 2026•38 min•Ep. 164
In this episode, Alan speaks with Dr Jayc Sedlmayr about his research into indigenous theology and animal ceremonial traditions. Drawing on interdisciplinary backgrounds, Sedlmayr discusses his “Embodied Essence” project, which explores how many cultures understood spiritual essence as residing in bodily substances—especially bone marrow. He explains how this perspective helps interpret ritual practices involving bones, such as their treatment as regenerative “seeds,” their placement in ceremoni...
Apr 24, 2026•37 min•Ep. 163
In this episode, Alan speaks with Dr Christian Bentz and Dr Ewa Dutkiewicz about their research on early systems of conventional signs. They explore how recurring symbols in rock art and mobile artifacts may reflect shared visual communication as far back as 40,000 years ago, and what this reveals about early human cognition and culture. Transcripts For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/162 Links SignBase, a collection of geometric signs on mobile...
Apr 10, 2026•39 min•Ep. 162
In this special episode, I sit down with Dr. Todd Surovell, professor of anthropology at the University of Wyoming, to discuss new research that re-examines Monte Verde using modern geoarchaeological methods. The results suggest that the famous site may actually be much younger than previously believed, dating to the Holocene rather than the Ice Age. If true, this would mean that Monte Verde is not evidence for pre-Clovis humans in South America, and it could force archaeologists to reconsider o...
Mar 27, 2026•50 min•Ep. 161
In episode 161, Chris Webster and Dr. Alan Garfinkel discuss decolonization in archaeology and rock art studies, arguing that researchers must take Indigenous perspectives seriously as Native communities gain more political and intellectual influence. They emphasize that Indigenous cosmologies often frame rock art meaning through interconnected energy, reciprocity, and life-death cycles rather than “gods” and rigid categories, and they highlight the value of shared vocabulary, cultural humility,...
Mar 13, 2026•38 min•Ep. 161
In this episode, Alan welcomes back Dr George Harold Nash to the podcast to discuss his article on Serra da Capivara National Park, one of the most important archaeological regions in South America. Together, they explore the park’s extraordinary rock art, controversial early dates, and what the evidence might mean for long-standing models of migration into the Americas. Transcripts For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/160 Links Serra da Capivara...
Feb 27, 2026•40 min•Ep. 160
In this episode, Alan speaks with Dr Joakim Goldhahn about his journey through archaeology and rock art, from Scandinavia to Australia. Together, they explore the cosmology of Scandinavian burials linked to rock art, as well as the living traditions of rock art in Kakadu National Park and the lifeways of Indigenous Australians. Central to the discussion is a reflection on archaeological responsibility: how working outside these cultural traditions requires humility, accountability, and a commitm...
Feb 13, 2026•38 min•Ep. 159
Episode 158 of the Rock Art Podcast steps beyond rock art to explore “obsidian conveyance systems”—how volcanic glass moved through travel, trade, and social ties, and what that reveals about prehistoric lifeways. Host Dr. Alan Garfinkel is joined by co-host Chris Webster for a conversation on obsidian sourcing, chemical fingerprints, and why big datasets can reconstruct connections even when stratigraphy is mixed. Alan draws from a major post-wildfire cultural project in southern Oregon’s North...
Jan 30, 2026•37 min•Ep. 158
In this episode, Alan is joined by Dr. Maria Guagnin (Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology) and Dr. Ceri Shipton (Australian National University) to explore how human societies adapted to environmental change during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. Maria and Ceri examine prehistoric settlement, mobility, and monumental rock art in northern Arabia, showing how symbolic expression and landscape use offer insight into survival, innovation, and cultural continuity. Their research demonstrate...
Jan 16, 2026•37 min•Ep. 157
As the APN takes a break this holiday season we are taking this opportunity to make you aware of other great shows on the network. This episode is from the Ethnocynology Podcast with David Ian Howe. Ethnocynology Podcast Ep 15: Direwolf Science with Dr. Shield-Chief Gover In this episode of Ethnocynology, David chats with friend, colleague, and former A Life in Ruins host, Dr. Carlton Shield Chief Gover. David and Carlton do a brief catch up before diving right into the recent paper released by ...
Jan 02, 2026•54 min•Ep. 10001
In this episode, Alan is joined by Dr. James Dodd, a researcher at Aarhus University and board member of the Scandinavian Society for Prehistoric Art. James uses digital tools such as GIS and high-performance computing to document and analyse rock art across Scandinavia. His work reveals how prehistoric communities expressed ideas through imagery and symbolism and how modern technology can uncover patterns and connections hidden across the landscape. Transcripts For a rough transcript head over ...
Dec 05, 2025•38 min•Ep. 156
In this episode, Alan is joined by Joseph Williams, founder of Seven Fires Corporation, to explore how Indigenous knowledge, AI, and 3D imaging intersect in the study of rock art. They discuss applications from Göbekli Tepe to Native American sites, and examine the House of the Sun pictographs in Southern California, exploring how they reflect Native American cosmology and celestial traditions. Transcripts For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/155...
Nov 21, 2025•28 min•Ep. 155
In this episode, Alan is joined by Douglas Beauchamp, an arts consultant and photographer based in Oregon, whose work explores the enduring power of rock art in shaping cultural landscapes. Douglas examines how ancient engravings and visual imagery continue to speak to contemporary audiences, bridging archaeology, public art, and the study of visual memory. Through his photography and field documentation, he illuminates the ways ancient art interacts with the landscape and modern viewers. Transc...
Nov 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 154
On today’s show, Chris Webster joins Dr. Alan Garfinkel to deconstruct a fascinating rock drawing panel at Portuguese Bench near Little Lake in western California. There is so much going on with this panel that they only discuss a few of the more prominent elements and possible a few that you might not notice. Follow along by downloading the images and figure out what you can see and what you think it means. Transcripts For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.c...
Oct 25, 2025•36 min•Ep. 153
In this episode, Alan is joined by Stephen Townley Bassett , a forensic artist dedicated to preserving and recreating San rock art with striking accuracy. Using natural materials like ochre, charcoal, and egg shell, Stephen reconstructs ancient paintings in the same way they were originally made—millimeter by millimeter. With decades of field experience across Southern Africa, his work highlights the intersection of art, archaeology, and conservation, offering a powerful visual record of a fragi...
Oct 10, 2025•32 min•Ep. 152
In this episode, Alan is joined by visual artist Shefa Salem al‑Baraesi, a Benghazi‑based creator whose oil paintings re‑imagine Libya’s archaeological heritage—like the inverted‑figure boat scene from the Acacus cave art—and ancient rituals such as the Kaska dance. Through her realistic, large‑scale works, Shefa transforms written history and myth into evocative visual narratives that resonate with everyday Libyans. Her exhibitions, I Am Libya and Ethnolibya , bring these ancestral images forwa...
Sep 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 151
In this episode, Alan is joined by Dr Gerard O’Regan, a Māori archaeologist and rock art specialist dedicated to preserving the ancient artworks of Aotearoa. With over three decades of research and fieldwork, Gerard shares how these powerful images—painted with natural pigments like red ochre and charcoal—offer a glimpse into early Māori life, belief, and identity. From the limestone shelters of the South Island to emerging discoveries in the North, Gerard’s work weaves together archaeology, Ind...
Sep 12, 2025•35 min•Ep. 150
In this episode, Alan is joined by by Dr. Tertia Barnett, a leading archaeologist whose work bridges scientific research and community engagement in the field of rock art. Dr. Barnett shares insights from her role as Principal Investigator on Scotland’s Rock Art Project , as well as her previous work on the Wadi al-Ajal Rock Art Project in Libya. Together they discuss the social and cultural dimensions of rock art that highlights the importance of collaboration, accessibility, and inclusivity in...
Aug 15, 2025•34 min•Ep. 148
In this week’s episode, Dr. Alan speaks with archaeologist and emeritus professor of anthropology, Dr. Dean Snow. A leading expert in ancient populations and Paleolithic cave art, Dr. Snow shares insights into his groundbreaking research on hand stencils in Ice Age caves and what they reveal about gender and social structures in prehistoric societies. Together, they explore the broader implications of interpreting early human symbolism, rock art traditions around the world, and the evolving role...
Aug 01, 2025•43 min•Ep. 147
Rock Art is taking a break this week, so please enjoy this encore episode from last year! In this week’s episode, Dr Alan speaks with historic preservation specialist and project coordinator of Huliauapa’a, Rachel Hoerman. Along with community members Andree-Michelle Conley Kapoi and her teenage twins, Anais and Oisin, who are involved in the Stewardship and Protection Plan Project for the kiʻi pōhaku at Nu'u Refuge, Kaupō, Maui, they speak about Pacific Rim rock art and heritage stewardship in ...
Jul 18, 2025•49 min•Ep. 136
In this week’s episode Dr Alan speaks with archaeologist and educator, Dr Leslie Van Gelder, about the intricate world of prehistoric gender expression with a special focus on finger flutings markings found in Rouffignac Cave—home to some of the most enigmatic finger markings in Ice Age Europe. Transcripts For complete transcripts head over to www.archpodnet/rockart/145 Links Dr Leslie Van Gelder’s website Dr Van Gelder’s Tedx talk on the Archaeology of Intimacy Finger Flutings Markings, Rouffig...
Jul 06, 2025•39 min•Ep. 146
In this week’s episode, Dr. Alan Garfinkel speaks with Dr Thierry Aubry, Research Associate at Fundação Côa Parque. Together, they explore fascinating topics related to Dr. Aubry’s latest research, shedding light on groundbreaking discoveries and their broader implications. Transcripts For Photos and a transcript head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/145 Links Dr Thierry Aubry’s Research Gate Côa Parque Museum and Website Côa Valley Discoveries Contact Dr. Alan Garfinkel...
Jun 20, 2025•38 min•Ep. 145
In this episode, Dr. Alan Garfinkel speaks with Dr Damien Finch from the University of Melbourne about Kimberly Rock Art and his work on the application of radiocarbon dating to determine the age of rock art. They discuss how scientific techniques can be applied to past human activity and, of course, rock art! Links Dr Damien Finch Biography Australia’s oldest known Aboriginal rock paintings Light and shade: how the natural 'glazes' on the walls of Kimberley rock shelters help reveal the world t...
Jun 06, 2025•38 min•Ep. 144
Dr. Alan Garfinkel is joined by Chris Webster to discuss a very unique rock art panel discovered at Little Petroglyph Canyon in the Coso Range north of Ridgecrest, California. It’s a creation story 2000 to 4000 years old and has some interesting elements. They discuss the image on this week’s episode. What do you think the elements represent? Transcripts and Sources For rough transcripts and sources for this episode, head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/143 Contact Dr. ...
May 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 143
In this week’s episode, Dr Alan chats to Dr Benjamin Smith, a leading archaeological researcher and academic from the University of Western Australia. From directing world-renowned rock art research to shaping national policy in post-apartheid South Africa, Dr Smith’s career spans continents and decades, blending cutting-edge science with a deep commitment to ethical leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Links Benjamin Smith Contact Dr. Alan Garfinkel avram1952@yahoo.com Dr. Alan Garf...
May 09, 2025•38 min•Ep. 142
In this week’s episode, Dr Alan chats to Dr Angharad Jones and Hannah Andrews from the archaeological museum Creswell Crags, one of the most important prehistoric sites in the UK. Located within a limestone gorge and winding Pleistocene caves, the site has some of the earliest examples of Palaeolithic rock art! Links Creswell Crags Introducing… Dr Angharad Jones, Collections Officer at Creswell Crags Verification of the age of Palaeolithic rock art at Creswell Contact Dr. Alan Garfinke avram1952...
Apr 25, 2025•35 min•Ep. 141
Today, Chris Webster joins Alan to talk about a rock art panel from Arizona. It’s got a handful of elements but a bug story to tell. We try to interpret some of the elements and Alan tells us how to read the others. Contact Dr. Alan Garfinkel avram1952@yahoo.com Dr. Alan Garfinkel’s Website Support Dr. Garfinkel on Patreon ArchPodNet APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet APN on Instagram: ht...
Mar 28, 2025•37 min•Ep. 140
