Project Team

Le Orme dell’Uomo operates in a field of archaeology called Rupestrian Archaeology. It focuses its attention mainly on two areas: the research and study of rock-art; and the publication, dissemination and promotion of the results. The Cooperativa became part of the International Federation of Rock Art Organizations (IFRAO) in 1991.

The Society, in response to requests from archaeological authorities and museums, supplies accurate graphic and photographic documentation, as well as reports and studies of specific areas.

At present, research is carried out in the Italian Alps (Val Camonica, Valtellina, Valsusa, Valcenischia, Val Germanasca, Valle Po, Valchiusella and the Asiago Plateau), bringing in detailed and accurate records of this region’s important carved and painted rocks. The archives (tracing, drawings and photographs) are open to scholars and students searching for information about rock-art of the Alps and other areas of the world.

During the summer months, the Society organises fieldwork and courses for scholars, students and enthusiasts. This gives them the chance to learn about Rupestrian Archaeology, its techniques and methodology. Most of the activities are in Val Camonica but they also take place in different areas of northern Italy and abroad. Research takes place in various countries, in association with universities and archaeological museums. Fieldwork has been carried out in Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal, 1992-1994), Côa Valley Archaeological Park (Portugal, 1996), Lamelas - Ribeira da Pena (Portugal, 1997) and the Nile Valley (Egypt 1998).

The Society plans and produces travelling exhibitions that tour archaeological museums, universities, libraries, schools and cultural centres. Previous ones toured northern and central Italy. Internationally, Italian Cultural Centres and Embassies sponsored shows in India, Portugal, Austria, Thailand and Singapore.

Prominent exhibitions were made together with museums, heritage management bodies and universities. These were Immagini di un’aristocrazia (1991), Le Pietre degli Dei (1994), Deer in India and Europe (1994) and Immagini dalla Preistoria (1996).

The Society organises field trips for schools and private groups to see rock-art in Italy and abroad. The programmes include walking tours around the National Rock-Engravings Park of Naquane and other rock art areas in Val Camonica and Valtellina.

The Society can organise seminars for museums, schools, libraries and cultural centres. Members of the Society explain the most important aspects of their work and the archaeological field in which they operate, illustrating their talks with slides and multimedia material.

The Footsteps of Man has organised several scientific meetings such as the 1^st and 2^nd International Congress of Rupestrian Archaeology (1992, 1997) in which the state of research was presented and discussed. Local colloquia took place in 1989, 1991, 1995 and 1997.

The publications of the Society include guides to the major rock-art sites in Val Camonica (theValcamonica Preistorica series), monographs (the Ricerche Archeologiche series) and educational themes (the Quaderni didattici series).