Ancient Art Archive

“The greatest innovation in the history of humankind was neither the stone tool nor the steel sword. It was the invention of art.” For more than 99% of our 200,000 years of existence, we humans have preserved our stories through images, not written language. The ancient rock art sites that exist all over the world are essentially windows into the minds of the earliest artists, telling us what they thought was important enough to carve, paint, or shape in stone. Our mission is to preserve and share their stories with everyone, everywhere. By bringing together today's experts in art, archaeology, and VR technology, the Ancient Art Archive creates and shares fresh insights and immersive media experiences that allow people to experience the art sites as if they were standing in front of them. In the words of one of our collaborators: "I have been enriched by opening my mind to the expression of others left on the cliff walls and scattered boulders ... many lifetimes ago. And by [virtually] viewing ... those artistic and cultural expressions, those who cannot travel to see them can also, almost magically, be touched by the creative mind of someone they will never meet."