Introduction to Game Pass Shelter and the Kamberg Rock Art Centre
The Game Pass Shelter and the associated Kamberg Rock Art Centre are located in the Kamberg Nature Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa. This shelter is considered one of the most significant San rock art sites, as it provides key insights into the spiritual beliefs of the San people. It is sometimes referred to as the “Rosetta Stone” for the interpretation of San rock art.
The Game Pass Shelter, the Kamberg Rock Art Centre, and the Kamberg Nature Reserve are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Maloti-Drakensberg. One of the primary reasons the Drakensberg was designated a World Heritage Site is due to the presence of approximately 30,000 examples of San rock art in this mountain range, with many of these images dating back thousands of years.
The above image is perhaps the most important scene in the Game Pass Shelter. It reflects the core belief of the San, namely their belief in the spiritual power of the eland and the power that a dying eland can transfer to a Shaman to assist them to enter the spiritual realm.
The shelter and centre offers visitors an overview of the region’s rock art, highlighting its cultural, artistic, and historical importance. It provides insight into San culture, traditional painting techniques, and the spiritual significance of the artwork. The centre is an essential educational resource for understanding Drakensberg’s indigenous rock art.
Landscape and hike
The shelter is nestled in a stunning landscape of rolling hills and dramatic mountain views, reachable by an eight-kilometre scenic hike through the Kamberg reserve. The hike takes about three hours, with a total elevation gain of 338 meters. You will encounter Waterfall Cave along the way with some faded examples of San Rock Art. Additionally, a beautiful cascade of waterfalls further on.
Interpreting the rock art
The paintings at Game Pass Shelter are remarkable examples of the San people’s artistic expression and illustrate their profound relationship with the natural world. These artworks feature the eland, a large antelope species that carries deep symbolic meaning within San spirituality. The eland is not only a vital source of sustenance for the San people, but it also serves as a central figure in their cultural narratives and belief systems. In their cosmology, the eland is often depicted in rituals that reflect its importance in daily life and spiritual practices. It is associated with healing, fertility, and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
The intricate details and vibrant colours in these paintings provide insight into how the San people perceive their environment and the sacred significance they attribute to the eland, illustrating the interplay between their survival and spiritual beliefs.
What makes Game Pass Shelter particularly important is its role in decoding the meanings behind San rock art. Anthropologists and archaeologists, notably David Lewis-Williams, used the images at this site to understand the trance rituals practised by San shamans. The paintings depict scenes of shamanic transformation, where figures are shown entering altered states of consciousness to interact with the spiritual world. These trance states, often induced during communal dances, were integral to San’s healing practices and their efforts to maintain social and environmental harmony.
A guided experience
Visitors to Game Pass Shelter must use registered guides who explain the art in the shelter and provide a broad overview of the natural and cultural heritage of the Drakensberg. Drakensberg Walking Excursions can be engaged to provide this guided experience. The experience showcases San’s artistic creativity. Preserving this heritage is crucial, as it allows for priceless insights into one of humanity’s oldest living cultures.
Game Pass Shelter is far more than an ordinary archaeological site. This site offers a profound glimpse into the rich worldview of the San people. This remarkable location showcases the vital role of art as a powerful medium for storytelling, spiritual expression, and the preservation of culture. The intricate rock engravings and vibrant paintings found here not only capture the imagination but also convey the deep connections between the San people and their environment. Game Pass Shelter is an educational experience that enriches the understanding of human heritage and creativity, leaving visitors feeling informed and enlightened.
