THE ROCK FIGURES OF THE MARITIME ALPS. 
117 
Mr. Bicknell gives several examples of a type of figure similar to 
that on PI. I. f. 2, one of which is cut on the Napoleon Rock. 
The most feasible explanation of these is that they are plans of 
buildings and enclosures, the buildings being indicated by the 
rectangles, which are sculptured all over. There are also lines 
which may represent paths leading to the buildings, and the oblong 
markings in one of the enclosures may be intended for cattle, and 
the dots in the other for sheep, as similar markings are found in 
some of the other plans. 
That the engravings are of considerable antiquity there can be 
little doubt, and one cannot but think that the study and com- 
parison of the implements and weapons with actual specimens of 
those of past ages, may some day enable archaeologists to fix their 
age, at least approximately, and to give some more definite informa- 
tion of the people by whom the figures were executed. M. Molon, 
referring to the figures given on M. Clugnet's plates, is of opinion 
that they probably date from between the Stone and Bronze Ages ; 
Mr. Bicknell believes that the Meraviglie figures were executed by a 
different tribe and at a different epoch from those in Val Fontanalba ; 
M. Riviere thinks that the sculptors were of Libyan origin, and says 
that some ©f the rock figures in Morocco are similar and cut in the 
same way by repeated blows ; Prof. Lissauer, of Berlin, attributes 
them to the Iberian branch of the Mediterranean family, and Prof. 
Celesia to the Phoenicians. 
Mr. Bicknell, than whom no one is better qualified to speak with 
authority, gives his reasons for considering that the figures are of 
great antiquity, and also for the conclusion at which he has arrived 
as to the object and purpose of the rock engravings. The latter 
I give in his own words : 
"We . . . consider these innumerable rock engravings to 
have been a sort of votive offering, reminders to unseen powers, 
good or malignant, of the people's needs or fears ; the expression 
of their desires for the well-being of their beasts, the safety of their 
settlements, the increase of their property, and general prosperity 
and good luck in agriculture or in hunting. These enduring 
prayers in stone would have been a witness not only for a moment 
but for ages to come. With this explanation we think we under- 
stand the rock figures better, and we can fancy the people doing 
more with the hope of getting more." 
For full information on this fascinating subject the reader is 
referred to Mr Bicknell's own work, where he will find described 
in detail all that I have merely given in outline, and his directions 
to travellers will be of the greatest service to any who may have 
the intention to explore this region of " Wonders " for themselves. 
