What is African Rock Art?

Evidence of early human artistic expression in Africa commonly takes the form of rock paintings and engravings. Some of these are thought to date back 12,000 years, but most are much more recent. They are found across the continent, with the best preserved sites found in the Sahara and the deserts of southern Africa.

When was African rock art made?

The oldest scientifically-dated rock art in Africa dates from around 26,000-28,000 years ago and is found in Namibia.

Who is responsible for looking after and protecting the San rock art?

All rock paintings and engravings done by indigenous people in South Africa are protected by the National Heritage Resources Act.

How rock painting was done?

White paint is usually created from natural chalk, kaolinite clay or diatomaceous earth. Once the pigments had been obtained, they would be ground and mixed with a liquid, such as water, blood, urine, or egg yolk, and then applied to the stone as paint using a brush, fingers, or a stamp.

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What is traditional African art?


Why is rock art important?

Throughout the world, rock art is the most important visual record of humanity’s ancient past which, if irretrievably damaged, is lost forever. The visual impact of rock art made thousands of years ago is a powerful reminder of the artistic skills and sophistication of the belief systems of our ancient forebears.

Did the Khoi do rock art?

Sanbona is a custodian of this national heritage and protects seven recorded sites of ancient rock art that date back 3500 years. They depict the spiritual beliefs and lives of the San and the Khoikhoi people that lived in this area until 100 years ago.

Where is Aboriginal rock art found?

Researchers estimate that there are more than 100,000 significant rock art sites around Australia. More than 5000 are located in the Northern Territory’s Kakadu National Park alone. The first humans arrived in Australia at least 65,000 years ago.

What are the most widely dispersed African Rock Art?

Rock art of the type associated with hunter-gatherers is perhaps the most widely distributed rock art tradition in southern Africa, with numerous known examples in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, but also with examples found in Botswana and Mozambique.

Why did people painted on rocks?

Ancient rock artists painted people and animals. Some archaeologists think that the paintings were created to bring good fortune to a hunt as a kind of spiritual exercise. It could be that the artists simply painted things they found beautiful.

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How can we protect rock art?

These are the 7 most common mistakes people make when sealing their rocks.

  1. Hold the can too close. Most spray sealers should be held at least 8″ from your rocks.
  2. Spray a heavy first coat.
  3. Spray a heavy second coat.
  4. Let them dry in the sun.
  5. Seal your rock right away.
  6. Only seal the top.
  7. Seal rocks on a windy day.

What does Khoikhoi mean?

They were the first pastoralists in southern Africa, and called themselves Khoikhoi (or Khoe), which means ‘men of men’ or ‘the real people’. This name was chosen to show pride in their past and culture. The Khoikhoi were the first native people to come into contact with the Dutch settlers in the mid 17th century.

What is the oldest painting ever?


What is the oldest cave painting in the world?


What is rock art called?

Pictograph from Petit Jean State Park. Anthropologists and archeologists define rock art as images carved, drawn, or painted onto immovable rock surfaces. Images that are carved or engraved into rock are called petroglyphs. Images made with paint or other pigment are called pictographs.

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