Rock Art Research
THE FIRST KNOWN PAINTING OF THE AFRICAN RAIL?
(1)
African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Gqeberha, 6031, South Af
(2)
African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Gqeberha, 6031, South Africa
(3)
African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Gqeberha, 6031, South Africa
Abstract
San rock art depicting birds is generally identifiable to family level rather than species level. The San had a deep understanding of birds. Avian rock art interpretation is complicated by ‘avianthropes’, images that are part-human and part-bird. A rock art image in South Africa’s Langeberg foothills is interpreted as an avianthropic African rail. This may be the oldest known depiction of this species, probably predating the 1773 holotype painting. An African rail may have been a subject of interest for a San artist. Appreciation of the San as accomplished ornithologists can inform modern ornithology and southern African rock art.