This dissertation applies the contextual approach, as outlined by Patrick Carmichael, to the rock art of the Nasca Valley (Grande River System, Department of Ica, Peru). This approach uses different sources of information so as to construct a basic, indigenous framework within which to view and interpret the subject matter of an art object for which there is no written information due to its age. In this dissertation, I used information about the local environment and archaeology, as well as the art historical methods of formal and iconographic analyses. Comparative information was provided through ethnographic analogy to Andean myths and practices. Data for this study was gathered in a rock art survey that was carried out during the spring of 2000. This survey covered the lower part of the Nasca valley, downriver from the site of Cahuachi and southwest from the Nasca Pampa, site of the greatest concentration of geoglyphs in the south coast. Information about the location, orientation, and the relationship to archaeological and natural features, gathered in the survey, are examined in order to provide informed hypotheses about Nasca Valley rock art's function and use. The study reveals that rock art sites may have marked points of transition in the natural and cultural landscape. A concern for water is also suggested by the location and orientation of the rock art, and petroglyphs that display evidence of liquid pouring may also relate to local water sources. Using a study of form and iconography, rock art motifs in the Grande River System are separated into types and groups according to similarities to datable, portable art and to geoglyphs, providing a tentative time frame for their making. In the Nasca Valley, one period of petroglyph making activity is contemporary to Paracas Cavernas and another dates to the Early Intermediate Period (Nasca). On the upper valleys such as Palpa, Aja, and Santa Cruz, petroglyph-making activity seems to be largely associated to Paracas Necropolis and there does not seem to be Nasca rock art at those locations. With this contextual information at hand, I provide a re-evaluation of the Nasca Mythical Killer Whale motif, which is depicted in two Nasca Valley rock art sites. I propose using a new name for this motif: The Aquatic Composite Being. The location and iconography of this motif's petroglyphs provide additional information that contributes to our understanding of the meaning of this motif in Nasca art. / text

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The rapid growth of the Cuban tourist industry into the island's main currency generator fostered the emergence of new tourist stakeholders, from both the public (state-owned tourist facilities) and private sectors (micro-enterprises or cuentapropistas). It is crucial to understand how new participation and new organisational structures in the industry can shape and enhance the long-term sustainability of tourism in Cuba. A case study of an emergent alternative tourism destination in Western Cuba (Vinales Valley) reveals complex and striking relationship patterns between stakeholders. In particular, the degree of participation in the industry by the region's various tourism entities is highly uneven, with state entities dominating, as expected. My discussion of the findings suggests that Cuba could draw from its experience in creating well-organized networks of mass organizations to foster a climate of trust and the increased participation among tourist stakeholders.

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Palaeoecological and sedimentological analysis has been applied in the study of Lower Carboniferous Waulsortian 'reefs' exposed in the Manifold Valley, North Staffordshire and in the Meuse Vallley in southern Belgium. Because Waulsortian 'reefs' have similar faunal, lithological and palaeogeographical characteristics in all of their occurrences it is argued that conclusions drawn from the Manifold and Meuse Valleys are applicable to the facies as a whole. Evidence is presented to show that lithological facies previously recognised within the Belgian Waulsortian can also be recognised elsewhere, and that changing sedimentation rates can explain many of their characteristic differences. Faunal and seimentological evidence indicates that the rate of sedimentation increased as the mounds developed. It is argued that the mound sediment was produced in situ and faunal data suggests that the surface of the mounds was firm. Early submarine lithification is thought to have been an important process in producing firm substrates and in maintaining steep depositional slopes. Fabrics and lithological components suggestive of early lithification have been recognised. A general model for Waulsortian development, based on conclusions drawn in this thesis, is presented.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Notre Dame, 2009. / Thesis directed by Jon T. Coleman for the Department of History. "June 2009." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 277-300).

Diss.--Münster. / Vita. Bibliography: p. [619]-635.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2003. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xiii, 242 p.; also includes graphics, maps Includes bibliographical references (p. 231-242). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center