Working to Protect Rock Art around the World
The ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Rock Art was founded in 1980 in Warsaw, Poland.
Its founding president was Professor Emmanuel Anati, one of first professionals in the field of rock art studies.
For four decades the Committee has brought together a network of rock art professionals and worked to further the interests of global rock art.
From urban encroachment, to industrial pollution, to climate change, to expanding tourism, rock art in many countries is increasingly threatened. ICOMOS – CAR works to save this priceless heritage for future generations.
ICOMOS – ROCK ART
The aim of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Rock art is to promote international co-operation in the field of rock art and to advise ICOMOS and UNESCO on matters relating to rock art.
Saving the Past for the Future
Publications
We publish a regular popular newsletter and a series of Thematic monographs on rock art.
Professional Services
We advise UNESCO and national governments on all matters relating to rock art.
Want to join the committee?
If you are rock art specialist you can apply to join the committee and participate in our meetings and activities.
Rock art reveals the human capacities of abstraction, synthesis and idealization. It describes economic and social activities, ideas, beliefs and practices and provides unique insight into the intellectual life and cultural patterns of humanity.
Long before the invention of phonetic writing, rock art recorded the most ancient testimony of human imaginative and artistic creativity. It constitutes once of the most significant aspects of the common heritage of humanity.
— Professor Emmanuel Anati (2015) First President of CAR
ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Rock Art 