Rock Art Research
LARGE GEOMETRIC PATTERNS FROM THE MIDDLE STONE AGE IN AEOLIANITES ON THE CAPE SOUTH COAST, SOUTH AFRICA
(1)
African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
(2)
African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
(3)
African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
(4)
African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
(5)
School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
(6)
African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Abstract
The making of abstract images is one means through which cognitive modernity can be inferred. Archaeological research has demonstrated that palaeoart was created during the Middle Stone Age on South Africa’s Cape south coast. We have identified two large geometric features on loose Pleistocene aeolianite slabs on this coastline. Field relations suggest that the surfaces date from Marine Isotope Stage 5. Our interpretation is that early modern humans may have drawn these features on dune surfaces of unconsolidated sand. The potential for images drawn in sand to be preserved creates an opportunity for the appreciation of palaeoart.