The Dynamics of Brazilian Rock Art Landscape: An Agent-Based Modelling Approach to Theories

Abstract

The first attempts at synthetizing the diversity of Brazilian rock art sites and the spread of graphic similarities envolved a certain amount of environmental determinism and traditionalism. We propose an agent-based model able to verify the possible effects of theoretical perspectives on the landscape. Our model uses a number of hunters moving randomly and a set of shelters where they can make new paintings according to simples rules. Three different mechanisms can be modified: exogenous (by nature, some shelters are fit for painting and not others), endogenous (by culture, some shelters are preferred by each hunter, and not others) and cumulative (shelters with paintings are more attractive). Compared to the archaeological context, only exogenous and cumulative constraints seem able to result in a landscape where a few shelters are concentrating most of the paintings. Endogenous constraints alone seem unable to produce the same results without another mechanism for transmission.