Entoptic phenomena (archaeology)

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For a medical definition please see Entoptic phenomenon

In archaeology, entoptic phenomena relates to any visual experience derived from within the eye or brain (as oppose to externally, as per normal vision). In this respect it differs slightly from the medical definition, which defines entoptic phenomena as only applying to phenomena within the eye but not the brain. To avoid this confusion, the term subjective visual phenomena is sometimes used.

There has been a great deal of work trying to find evidence of motifs and compositions derived from entoptic phenomena in prehistoric art, especially rock art and megalithic art. The justification of this research is that entoptic phenomena are normally viewed during states of altered consciousness, the practice of which may impact our views of ancient religious and social practice.

[edit] See also

• Entheogen
• Phosphene
• Psychedelic art

[edit] References

• Dronfield, J. 1995. “Subjective Visions and the Source of Irish Megalithic Art.” in Antiquity 69, pp539-549
• Lewis-Williams, D. and Pearce, D. 2005. Inside the Neolithic Mind. London: Thames and Hudson