This paper analyses the spatial variation within a corpus of pre-Historic petroglyphs, the Panaramitee, which has been represented in the literature as a homogeneous pan-Australian ‘style’. Correspondence analysis and group average cluster analysis found that there were five regional groups that can be distinguished from each other in terms of differing emphases on motif types or combinations of motif types within an overall restricted range across the continent. An hypothesis, known as the discontinuous Dreaming network model, is presented in an attempt to explain the results in terms of contrasting regional representations of different parts of Dreaming tracks, the function of rock art in boundary maintenance and information exchange, and the differing uses and meaning ranges of motifs in predominantly non-figurative, compared to predominantly figurative, artistic systems. It is a predictive model that is yet to be tested, but can be assessed as new petroglyph sites are rediscovered and Dreaming Tracks are mapped. The term ‘Panaramitee tradition’ is proposed as an alternative to the previously used ‘Panaramitee style’ as a label for the petroglyphs of predominantly tracks and non-figurative motifs that are found throughout the continent.
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