Introduction to Dating Drakensberg San Rock Art
Dating San Rock Art can be difficult. San rock art is dated using several scientific methods. The primary techniques include:
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Radiocarbon Dating – This method is used when organic materials, such as charcoal or plant fibres, are present in the paint. Scientists measure the decay of carbon isotopes to estimate the age of the artwork.
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Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) – This technique determines when quartz grains in surrounding sediment were last exposed to sunlight, helping to establish a timeframe for when the rock art was created.
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Uranium-Series Dating – Calcium carbonate deposits that form over or beneath the paintings can be analysed for uranium decay, providing an approximate age range.
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Amino Acid Racemization – If organic binders are present in the paint, this method assesses the breakdown of amino acids over time to estimate the artwork’s age.
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Comparative Dating – Researchers analyse the style, layering, and themes of the paintings, comparing them to known archaeological evidence to establish a relative chronology.
Using these methods, some of southern Africa’s oldest known San rock art dates back over 25,000 years. The dating of the Drakensberg San Rock Art has revealed that this art may be as old as 8,000 years before present in the Southern Drakensberg and 3,000 BP in the Central and Northern Drakensberg.
Aaron Mazel developed a stylistic framework to categorise the rock art of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg region, aiding in understanding the chronological sequence of the artworks. While specific dates for each phase are challenging to ascertain due to the limitations of direct dating methods, Mazel’s framework, combined with advancements in dating techniques, provides approximate timeframes for each stylistic phase.
Mazel’s Stylistic Phases and Associated Dates
Early Fine-Line Phase: Characterised by detailed, thin-line monochromatic depictions, primarily in dark reds and maroons, primarily of human figures and animals. The paint appears stained into the rock surface, with some antelope and human figures conforming to this style. This phase dates back to approximately 3,000 to 2,000 years ago.
Developed Fine-Line Phase: Characterised by bichrome (dull red and white) images, this phase includes human figures and animals in shades of red, with some figures outlined in white. This phase likely occurred around 2,000 to 1,000 years ago.
Late Fine-Line Phase: Marked by increased abstraction and symbolic imagery, possibly reflecting more profound spiritual or ritualistic significance. Characterised by shaded polychrome paintings. This phase showcases more complex compositions, such as the shaded polychrome eland found in Eland Cave. This phase is estimated to have occurred between 1,000 years ago and the 19th century.
Very Late Phase: Characterised by less refined figures, often overlapping older artworks, and possibly influenced by interactions with other cultures. Some of these paintings were created as recently as the late 19th century.
It’s important to note that these dates are approximate and based on current research methodologies. Advancements in dating techniques, such as radiocarbon dating of organic materials associated with the paintings, continue to refine our understanding of the chronology of Drakensberg rock art.
Techniques Aaron Mazel Used to Date Drakensberg Rock Art
- Superimposition Analysis – He studied layers of paintings where newer images were painted over older ones to establish a relative chronology.
- Stylistic Analysis – By comparing different painting styles and subject matter, he identified artistic trends and estimated their timeframes.
- Ethnographic Comparison – He used historical records and San oral traditions to interpret the meanings of the paintings and estimate their age based on cultural continuity.
- Direct and Indirect Dating Methods – Although direct radiocarbon dating of pigments was difficult due to mineral-based paints, he collaborated with other researchers to use dating techniques such as oxalate accretions and radiocarbon dating of organic materials in nearby archaeological sites.
- Archaeological Context – He correlated rock art with excavated materials from nearby rock shelters to estimate when the paintings were likely made.
Mazel’s work significantly contributed to understanding San rock art’s social, spiritual, and historical significance, placing some paintings at least 3,000 years old, possibly dating back to 8,000 years.