The 21st International Symposium of Valcamonica will take place in September 2004, 8th to 14th. The topic is “Prehistoric and Tribal Art: new discoveries, new interpretations and new methods of research”.Scholars willing to share their competence and knowledge are cordially invited to attend. People interested in the topic, in the event or in meeting the experts, are welcome to register as members or audience.

Proposals to present communications are welcome. A summary should be provided. Joining the event means spending one week in the Camonica Valley and contributing to the updating of new discoveries, new interpretations and new methods of research in prehistoric and tribal art.

The remains of rock paintings, rock engravings and other findings of prehistoric art have been discovered in over 160 countries. These sites preserve the memories of tribal societies in the same way as western cathedrals and museums hold memories for us. They tell us myths of origins, stories of the past, emotions, ambitions, beliefs, defeats and victories. They store the values of cultural and ethnical identity and give us unique insights into the past.

Each day, this important patrimony is deteriorating, because of deforestation, pollution and modern development. Natural phenomena along with other human actions are major causes of degradation. Losing images is losing a part of human history for ever. Prehistoric and tribal art is a source of inspiration as it revives our submerged memories and awakens primordial records from the past. This patrimony has to be preserved for future generations. And it has to be understood: this is the moral justification to preserve it but, above all, this is the moral justification for study and research. It is the responsibility of mankind to protect, understand and disseminate the knowledge of this patrimony. Each trace is precious and what is not documented now can be lost forever. If the past is forgotten we would miss the background to conceive a future. The art allows us to understand human evolution, the universal and individual canons, the essence of spirit, mind and feelings of man. We must save everything that can possibly be saved.

This Symposium coincides with the 40th year of the foundation of the Centro Camuno di Studi Preistorici, which will be celebrated with a special gala evening, where all the participants are invited. Other events will include exhibitions, the presentation of new books, a concert of prehistoric music and various other socializing events

PAPERS AND DEBATES:
participants who wish to present papers are asked to send a summary to the Secretariat of the Symposium. The final text for pre-publication, accompanied by illustrations and a bibliography, should reach the organizing committee before June 1st 2004. Proposals for themes and debates are welcome.

EXCURSIONS
during the Symposium, visits to local areas of prehistoric
art and other sites of historical, archaeological, ethnographic and artistic
interest will be organized.

REGISTRATION:
Full Member, € 175; Students or Associate Member, € 125. The acceptance of registrations is subject to seats availability.
Those registered for the Symposium are entitled to participate in all the
sections, to receive the printed programs, the pre-publications and other
informative material, to participate in the official dinners, the excursions
during the Symposium and other activities. Only Full Members will present papers and participate in debates. Associate Members are those accompanying Full Members.

AUDIENCE:
the audience is entitled to participate to the lectures and
to receive the printed programs. The participation to the social activities and dinners is not included. Those who take part in all the sections (40 hours) are entitled to the certificate of attendance. Cost of registration: before April 30th2004 – € 40; from May 1st to September 1st – € 60; after September 1st – € 80. The acceptance is subject to the availability of seats.

SCHOOLS: in each section, 25 seats will be reserved for schools.
Reservation cost for each section (about 4 hours), at least 5 seats per
reservation: before April 30th – € 5 each seat; from May 1st – € 8 each seat; after September 1st – € 10 each seat.

For reservations call +39 0364 42091 or fax +39 0364 42572

Email info@ccsp.it