From Neolithic to Now: The Plight of Malaysia’s Rock Art

via Scoop, 27 January 2024: Malaysia’s rich trove of rock art, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia’s Lenggong Valley and Kinta Valley, faces threats from development, pollution, and human interference. With around 70 sites bearing neolithic drawings, efforts like those by researcher Saw Chaw Yeh to raise awareness and preserve these prehistoric ‘masterpieces’ are crucial. Saw’s work, including a trilingual book and archaeo-tourism courses, aims to connect present and future generations with these ancient expressions, highlighting the need for enhanced protection and appreciation of this fragile heritage.

Saw Chaw Yeh, a PhD graduate of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Global Archaeological Research, has been actively promoting awareness and conducting continuous research on rock art in the Kinta Valley via archaeo-tourism courses for content creators and travel agents, and more recently – launched a trilingual book titled Kinta Valley Rock Art, An Introduction.

In her book, Saw states that the study of rock art allows us to share the perspective and a connection with places and the people who passed through and created the art on nature’s very own canvas so many thousands of years ago. 

“Hopefully future generations will also be able to pass through these spaces like we have – in a place where time stands still, where we are all one with the past, present and future,” she said.

Source: The mark of prehistoric Picassos