Rock Art of Alta in Norway

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
World Heritage Rock Art of Alta Centre
The Rock Art of Alta
Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1985
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 23,183°
Latitude: 69,950°

Summary

This group of petroglyphs in the Alta Fjord, near the Arctic Circle, bears the traces of a settlement dating from c. 4200 to 500 B.C. The thousands of paintings and engravings add to our understanding of the environment and human activities on the fringes of the Far North in prehistoric times.

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Rock Art of Alta

The Rock Art of Alta is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the municipality of Alta, in the county of Finnmark, Norway. It is a remarkable collection of prehistoric rock carvings that date back to the late Stone Age and the early Bronze Age, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in Northern Europe.

History

The history of the Rock Art of Alta dates back over 7,000 years. The carvings were created by the hunter-gatherer communities that inhabited the region during the time. These ancient people used sharp tools to engrave images onto the smooth surfaces of the rocks, leaving behind a rich and diverse collection of art.

The carvings depict a wide range of subjects, including animals such as reindeer, elk, bears, and fish, as well as human figures engaged in various activities like hunting, fishing, and dancing. These images provide valuable insights into the daily life, beliefs, and cultural practices of the people who lived in the area during that period.

For centuries, the Rock Art of Alta remained hidden and unknown to the outside world. It was not until the early 1970s that the carvings were discovered by a local schoolteacher, and their significance was recognized. Since then, extensive research and conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve and study this unique heritage site.

Current State

Today, the Rock Art of Alta is carefully protected and managed to ensure its preservation for future generations. The site covers an area of approximately 5,000 square meters and consists of several rock panels scattered across the landscape.

Visitors to the site can explore the carvings through guided tours and interpretive displays. The Alta Museum, located nearby, serves as a visitor center and provides valuable information about the history, significance, and interpretation of the rock art. It also houses a collection of artifacts found in the area, offering further insights into the lives of the ancient inhabitants.

The Rock Art of Alta has not only been recognized for its cultural and historical value but also for its outstanding universal significance. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, becoming the first prehistoric rock art site in the world to receive such recognition.

The site's inclusion on the World Heritage list has helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving and studying rock art worldwide. It has also contributed to the promotion of cultural tourism in the region, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire and learn about this ancient art form.

The Rock Art of Alta stands as a testament to the creativity, skill, and cultural richness of the people who lived in the area thousands of years ago. Its preservation and continued study provide valuable insights into our shared human history and the development of artistic expression.