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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Aron Mazel
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New information generated during the last two decades has allowed us to review previous conclusions that the shaded polychrome paintings of the southeastern mountains were done during the last few hundred years. This new data derives from the relative and absolute dating of rock art in KwaZulu-Natal and the excavation of rock shelters. It is supported by an assessment of the earlier rock art sequencing work done by Pager and Vinnicombe. Drawing together these different strands of evidence, it is proposed that shaded polychromes emerged in the southeastern mountains around 2000 years ago and, with few exceptions, lasted until 1600 years ago in the northern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. The terminal date for shaded polychrome paintings elsewhere in the southeastern mountains is not known and requires additional research. It is submitted that these paintings relate to a phase of hunter-gatherer history which was characterised by increased stress and ritual activity associated with substantial social and cultural changes that resulted from the movement of agriculturist communities into southern Africa.
Author(s): Mazel AD
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Southern African Humanities
Year: 2009
Volume: 21
Pages: 85-115
ISSN (print): 1681-5564
ISSN (electronic): 2305-2791
Publisher: Natal Museum
URL: http://www.sahumanities.org.za/Container.aspx?ID=7
