Accretionary Wedge # 32

The March edition of the Accretionary Wedge geoblog carnival is at Ann’s Musings, and the theme is a deceptively simple summons: “Throw me your ‘favorite geologic picture’ mister.”  This is nigh-on impossible and has led to some considerable introspection, not to mention scrabbling around to see what candidates I have with me on my laptop. But the scrabbling stopped as soon as I reminded myself of the image above. At first glance, perhaps it’s not strictlygeological – but then again, yes it is. And, because of the very personal impact, it’s one of my favourite pictures – ever.

It’s from a location in the remote south-western corner of Egypt, a Louvre of rock-art. This is just a small exhibit in a cave shelter covered in human expressions. The setting is geological, the canvas is geological, and the materials are geological, and all combine in the message of the connection between humans and geology. But of course it’s even more than that – we have no idea really who the artists were, exactly when they lived, what the function of this place was in their society, or why they expressed themselves so exuberantly. But the emotional  resonance, sitting there gazing at this, has become deeply ingrained; there is an immediate, intensely human, connection with two unknown people who chose to record their hands reaching out to each other.

It’s not even a picture of sand – but it is probably my favourite geological photo. And, in today’s world, perhaps it has an important message. SIGNATURE

Comments

Evelyn Mervine (2011-03-06):

Wow! An absolutely gorgeous, thought-provoking picture. When the Middle East calms down a bit, I would really like to go to Egypt and see that rock art!

Sandglass (2011-03-06):

You should - it’s all over the place, it’s spectacular, and it’s intimate.
And, of course, I have lots more images!

suvrat (2011-03-07):

love that idea!..

Ann (2011-03-12):

Thank you Michael for sharing this beautiful piece of art as one of your favorite geological pictures. I liked the way you came up with a picture that covered so many different areas of interest.
The parade is finally rolling at http://theaccretionarywedge.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/aw32-a-parade-of-geological-images/

David (2011-05-08):

There is no doubt an interesting article, thanks to the author.

Originally published at: https://throughthesandglass.typepad.com/through_the_sandglass/2011/03/accretionary-wedge-32.html