Rock Art Research

The optically stimulated luminescence analysis of fossil and mineralised nests of mud-dauber wasps is examined and difficulties in the interpretation of results are considered. The utility of carbon isotope analysis of such features is advocated, and an example of its application to a Late Pleistocene specimen is reported. Also considered, through the example of a major Australian contact rock art site, are some difficulties in interpreting direct dating information pertaining to rock art. It is shown that organics in paint residues may be taphonomic features acquired over time, and that the time intervals between datable elements and physically relatable rock art may be of such great duration that such results are of limited practical value.