How to make petroglyphs and rock paintings
  • 1. What is the primary difference between petroglyphs and rock paintings?
A) Petroglyphs are only found indoors.
B) There is no difference; they are the same.
C) Petroglyphs are carved, while paintings are applied.
D) Rock paintings use more modern tools.
  • 2. What type of rock is best suited for creating petroglyphs?
A) Igneous rock with lots of crystals.
B) Rock with a dark outer layer and a lighter inner layer.
C) Soft, sedimentary rock.
D) Any smooth rock will work.
  • 3. Which tool is traditionally used to create petroglyphs?
A) Metal chisels and hammers.
B) Sandpaper and files.
C) Acid etching tools.
D) Hammerstone and chisel-like stone.
  • 4. What is the process of removing the outer layer of rock called when making petroglyphs?
A) Sedimentation.
B) Metamorphosis.
C) Polishing.
D) Pecking or abrading.
  • 5. What is the most common pigment used in rock paintings?
A) Synthetic dyes.
B) Plant sap.
C) Iron oxides (ochre).
D) Modern acrylic paint.
  • 6. Which binder is traditionally used to mix pigments for rock paintings?
A) Petroleum-based solvents.
B) Water-based glue.
C) Animal fat or plant resins.
D) Super glue.
  • 7. What is the purpose of a binder in rock painting?
A) To adhere the pigment to the rock surface.
B) To make the pigment easier to find.
C) To change the color of the pigment.
D) To dissolve the rock.
  • 8. What type of brush was commonly used for rock painting?
A) Spray cans.
B) Sponge applicators.
C) Fibers from plants or animal hair.
D) Nylon brushes.
  • 9. What is the best way to prepare a rock surface for painting?
A) Sandblast the surface.
B) Apply a layer of primer.
C) Soak the rock in water.
D) Clean the surface to remove loose dirt and debris.
  • 10. Which of these is NOT a common subject in petroglyphs and rock paintings?
A) Animals.
B) Geometric shapes.
C) Human figures.
D) Detailed portraits of historical figures.
  • 11. What is a pictograph?
A) A type of sedimentary rock.
B) A written language.
C) A type of petroglyph.
D) A rock painting.
  • 12. What is a common environmental threat to petroglyphs and rock paintings?
A) Acid rain and weathering.
B) Overpopulation of rabbits.
C) Excessive sunlight.
D) The use of advanced cleaning methods.
  • 13. Why is documentation important when studying petroglyphs and rock paintings?
A) To preserve a record of the art before it deteriorates.
B) To encourage graffiti artists.
C) Documentation isn't important.
D) To sell the documentation for profit.
  • 14. Which of these is a non-destructive way to document rock art?
A) Cutting out sections of the rock.
B) Applying varnish to the surface.
C) Photography and digital scanning.
D) Taking rubbings with charcoal.
  • 15. What is the meaning of the term 'patina' in relation to rock art?
A) A specific style of rock art.
B) The natural weathering or coating on the rock surface.
C) A type of paint used in rock paintings.
D) A tool used for carving petroglyphs.
  • 16. What type of rock art can sometimes be found submerged underwater?
A) Both petroglyphs and rock paintings equally.
B) Rock paintings.
C) Petroglyphs.
D) Neither.
  • 17. Which factor is important to consider when choosing a site to create rock art?
A) How much foot traffic the area receives.
B) How easy it is to access with a car.
C) Proximity to a shopping mall.
D) Cultural significance and availability of appropriate rock.
  • 18. What is a potential ethical concern when creating new rock art?
A) Running out of pigments.
B) Not having enough rocks.
C) None, art is always good.
D) Disrespecting existing cultural heritage sites.
  • 19. What should you do to minimize environmental impact when creating rock art?
A) Import materials from around the world.
B) Use natural, locally sourced materials.
C) Clear a large area around the art.
D) Use power tools for faster results.
  • 20. What does the term 'anthropomorphic' mean in the context of rock art?
A) Having animal-like characteristics.
B) Being geometric in design.
C) Having human-like characteristics.
D) Relating to the study of rocks.
  • 21. What does the term 'zoomorphic' mean in the context of rock art?
A) Being geometric in design.
B) Having animal-like characteristics.
C) Having human-like characteristics.
D) Relating to the study of rocks.
  • 22. What is the best time of day to photograph rock art for documentation?
A) At night with a flash.
B) Early morning or late afternoon for softer light.
C) Whenever it's most convenient.
D) Midday when the sun is directly overhead.
  • 23. Why is it important to avoid touching rock art as much as possible?
A) Touching it is bad luck.
B) Oils from skin can damage the surface and promote growth of organisms.
C) The rock will crumble immediately.
D) It might be booby trapped.
  • 24. What is a common element found in rock art across different cultures?
A) Spirals and geometric patterns.
B) Images of skyscrapers.
C) Photorealistic portraits.
D) Comic book characters.
  • 25. Which of these is NOT a suitable pigment for rock painting?
A) Crushed minerals.
B) Clay.
C) Charcoal.
D) Modern industrial paints with heavy metals.
  • 26. How can you protect newly created rock art from the elements?
A) Apply a layer of plastic sealant.
B) Leave it exposed to the elements to 'age' faster.
C) Build a glass case around it.
D) Choose a sheltered location and use durable materials.
  • 27. What is a 'cupule' in the context of rock art?
A) A tool used to polish petroglyphs.
B) A small, circular depression pecked into a rock surface.
C) A type of paint made from berries.
D) A large, flat rock used as a canvas.
  • 28. What is the best way to learn about local regulations regarding rock art creation?
A) Ignore the regulations and hope for the best.
B) Ask a random stranger on the street.
C) Assume there are no regulations.
D) Contact local cultural heritage authorities or land managers.
  • 29. What is the danger of creating rock art on protected historical sites?
A) The rock will become cursed.
B) It can be considered vandalism and damage the original art.
C) It will attract unwanted attention from aliens.
D) There is no danger, it adds to the history.
  • 30. Why is it important to research the meaning of symbols before using them in rock art?
A) It's not important, just make whatever you like.
B) To avoid misrepresentation or cultural appropriation.
C) So you can copy someone else's art.
D) Symbols have no real meaning.
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