S13-13

An Overview of Rock Art in Lao PDR

 Department of Heritage, Lao P.D.R.

During the colonial period there may have been some awareness of rock art in Laos, such as those identified at the easily accessible cave sites near Pak Ou. As archaeology in Lao PDR has developed over the last 30 years, more rock art sites have been documented. Sites are now known from at least five provinces. This paper reviews seven rock art sites, some relatively recent art, and some considered to be prehistoric in origin. A variety of motifs are now known from hand stencils, to women giving birth, and even a steamship. The focus will be on the recent discovery of a prehistoric rock art site in Khammouan province. Depicted are several activities and wild animals, giving clues to past societies and environments. It is anticipated that more rock art sites will be discovered in Lao PDR in the future as research develops.