Criticism of Levantine Rock Art studies from a bibliometric perspective

Abstract

A historiographic analysis of Levantine rock art studies from their origins to the present using a bibliometric study is presented. The research is based on a bibliographic data base integrated by 521 records (notes, reports, papers, chapters of books and monographs) and 235 authors. Three periods (1907-1960, 1960-1980, 1980-1995) have been defined on the basis of the production, themes and characteristics of the authors. The institutionalization of Spanish archaeology, and the partiality and localism of current research are stressed. The huge activity of local scholars is remarkable in the first period. In the second one the number of authors and they monopolise a large part of the research. The foreign contribution disappears, and female researchers appear Finally, in the third period the percentage of publications increases and the descentralization of the study of Levantine rock art takes place. The independent authors as well as researchers assigned to regional administrations prevail over the academic researchers. The most relevant conclusion of this study is the persistence of iconography and simple description as the main aims of research on Levantine rock art during the entire century.