Saw, Chaw Yeh
(2022)
The Rock Art Of Kinta Valley,Perak, Malaysia.
PhD thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
This dissertation investigates the rock art tradition of Peninsular Malaysia and
explores its cultural affiliation, based on the rock art recorded in the Kinta Valley,
Perak, Malaysia. Up until today, in-depth studies and international publications on
rock art in Peninsular Malaysia were relatively scarce. This study presents the results
of systematic documentation of eleven rock art sites, namely Gua Kelawar, Gua Mat
Surat, Gua Mat Surat 2, Gua Tambun, Gua Tempurung, Gua Toh Semelah, Karang
Besar Rock Shelter, Keroh Rock Shelter 1, Keroh Rock Shelter 2, Kintaly Rock Shelter
1, and Kintaly Rock Shelter 2. The documentation method differs from the earlier
studies in which it incorporated a five-level motif categorization model to eliminate
analytical bias. The rock art was later analysed using multivariate analysis
(correspondence analysis and multidimensional scaling) with additional comparative
study to identify the relationship between sites. Apart from the previously known rock
art traditions, which had been broadly divided into coloured and black rock art
traditions, this study had identified five rock art sub-traditions (ST 1 – 5) across the
Kinta Valley. The study suggests that the earliest phase of rock art comprises two subtraditions
(ST 1 & ST 2) which began as early as the Hoabinhian period (~13,000 years
ago). Both ST 1 and ST 2 can be found at rock shelters or caves and represented by
coloured rock art depicting geometric shapes and zoomorphic figures. The other three
sub-traditions are made up of black rock art, with an occasional depiction of white
rock art. While ST 5 is clearly of the contact period since it often includes foreign
subject matter, ST 3 and ST 4 predominantly consist of designs attributed to the Orang
Asli culture.
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
