|
|
Spectacular Rock Art find Announced
On 27th February, Dr Ben Ngubane, Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and
Technology of South Africa unveiled at the Pretoria Art Museum a spectacular reproduction of a
rock art mural from the richest San rock art site found since the early twentieth century. Researchers from the Rock Art Research Institute of the
University of the Witwatersrand have now announced its existence for the first time, together with the first details of the paintings.
The site, called Storm Shelter, is in the foothills of the southern
Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape Province. The 6-metre-long panel of
paintings contains a comprehensive range of 231 images, some of them
previously unknown variations on central themes in San rock art. They offer
possibilities for more detailed understanding of San religious experience
and the history of the area.
The images include human-like and animal-like figures, fantasy animals with scythe-like claws, ferocious teeth and emaciated bodies, and many
magnificent eland. Throughout the panel, human and animal combine to portray the interconnectedness of the material and the spiritual worlds.
The panel was found by Geoff Blundell in the company of fellow-student Sven Ouzman on an expedition led by Professor David Lewis-Williams in 1992.
Before the scientific announcement, in the latest issue of the South African Journal of Science, the site was fully photographed, and the paintings were
traced, digitised in electronic format, and faithfully reproduced by hand on simulated rock panels. (The remarkable replica will be displayed in the
foyer of the Pretoria Art Museum on Wednesday 28 February and Thursday 1 March, and at the William Cullen Library, University of the
Witwatersrand, from Monday 5 March.)
Says Lewis-Williams, Senior Mentor of the Institute, "The panel opens new
windows on the spiritual world of the San. This find abundantly confirms the
place of southern African rock art alongside the great art traditions of the
world."
Dr Ben Smith, Director of the Rock Art Research Institute, adds: "The fact
that the Rock Art Research Institute makes finds of this magnitude
guarantees that South Africa will maintain its status as a world leader in
rock art research and training. The unparalleled beauty and sophistication
of our rock art will soon see South Africa become the world's leading rock
art tourism destination."
The National Research Foundation (NRF) funds activities of the Rock Art
Research Institute as one of its units in the social sciences and
humanities.
For further information:
Rock Art Research Institute
University of the Witwatersrand
Tel. (011) 717-6044/6056
Email: ghilraen@rockart.wits.ac.za
or visit the Web-site
South African Journal of Science
Email: SAJS
or visit the
NRF Web-site
William Cullen Library, Wits University
The general public has open access to the library foyer, where the rock
panels are being set up on Monday 5 March.
|
