Ancient rock art damaged by ice

cfuserkildare wrote: »

I have a question for those that might know better.

What is the primary theory regarding the weathering damage on the rock art on Drumcoggy? Hill.

Is it true Rock Art?
Or marks left behind by Limpets when these rocks were submerged?

Have heard recently a theory that the rock art predates the last glacial period, hence the linear damage/markings over the circular marks.

Can anybody expand on this idea?

There is a wide consensus that the marks are deliberately fashioned petroglyphs.
Their occurrence at such an altitude - around 380m OD is unique and unusual. There is a strong possibility that similar panels exist elsewhere, or even close by and at similar altitudes. The Drumcoggy panels were identified by Colm Jordan in 1995. Jordan was a geologist working for the Geological Survey at the time and would have had good reason to stray off the beaten track. It was a chance find in a huge area.
The most significant challenge to identifying further rock art panels is blanket bog which could easily obscure or completely cover further examples. It is possible or that other examples exist but locating them would require a specific set of conditions (exposure, preservation, suitable light etc.) and footfall coverage of vast spaces by people experienced in recognising petroglyphs. That could take a very long time and a lot of resources.
The Drumcoggy rock art is understood to date to the Early Neolithic: possibly a precursor to the petroglyphs of the passage tombs. They definitely do not pre-date the last glaciation.
There are glacial striae and other imperfections on the panel. These are thought to have been deliberately incorporated into parts of the overall design. Similar incorporations are evident in other rock art panels, particularly in the south western groups.

Christiaan Corlett wrote about the Drumcoggy rock art.
See:
Corlett, C. (1999) Rock Art on Drumcoggy Mountain, Co. Mayo. Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society, Vol 51.