Shamans (healers) occuppied a special place in the mystical culture of the Bushman. Shaman healers performed their work in a deep trance and Lewis-Williams and Dowson believe that these hallucinogenic experiences characterise Bushman Rock Painting. This accounts for the “out-of-world” light flashes and rows of small dots (entoptic phenomena) that are common in these visuals.
More importantly, the Bushman believed that all animals had a potency which could be harnessed by a shaman while in a trance and that this power could be turned to constructive use. In the final stages of a trance images were blended and the half-animal, half-person figures or transformed shamans (therianthropes) were created.
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Bushman Rock Painting
Main Caves – Giants Castle
Not only does it contain magnificent rock art but its museum recalls in great detail the Bushman way of life. Tours are conducted on the hour and you should give yourself 20 minutes to get there (from the camp that is).
A recorded commentary gives a narrative account of the cave's history, which is enhanced by the guide who answers questions and points out the features that are being discussed. It is an excellent commentary about the Bushmen's way of life, their hunting and gathering practices, and highlights notable paintings and features in the cave. There are more than 500 paintings in the cave and the earliest of these date back approximately 800 years.
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Bushman Rock Painting
Battle Cave – Injasuti
Battle Cave is in the northernmost section of Giant's Castle Game Reserve near Injasuti Camp. Arrangements to visit the cave can be made with the camp superintendent. Guided tours leave every morning and you are advised to take lunch and refreshments for the journey which is likely to take three to four hours.
There are some 750 paintings in Battle Cave and there is a pre-recorded commentary which lasts about 20 minutes. For the most part it includes the same generic details as that at Giant's Castle but the paintings themselves are very different.
There are some unusual depictions in Battle Cave – a snake, a baboon and a chameleon. Perhaps all animals had their significant role in the Bushman pantheon of gods? The guide will point out various other interesting paintings, ultimately stopping at the famous battle scene which has given this cave its name. The highest panel contains exceptional eland paintings. Eland - which are the common element in virtually all Bushman caves, symbolise all that is good.
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Bushman Rock Painting
Game Pass Shelter – Kamberg
If you visit just one cave painting site in the Drakensberg – make this the one. Game Pass Shelter in Kamberg Nature Reserve, just south of Giant's Castle Game Reserve, includes the best-preserved paintings of the three caves. Many are large and complex polychrome images. The first paintings you see after you enter the gate are imposing therianthropic figures clad in long black karosses.
While Kamberg is not the most rewarding site – artistically speaking – an active Tourism Association has facilitated investment funding. The recently-opened Kamberg Rock Art Centre is an extraordinarily rich resource for those with an interest in Bushman Rock Painting. Daily morning and afternoon tours are led by community guides. You should allow about four hours for the walk from the Kamberg Rock Art Centre to Game Pass Shelter.
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Bushman Rock Painting
All of the otdoor art galleries have been declared national monuments and as such are protected by law. They are vivid reminders of a gentle civilisation that was wiped out before its worth was fully appreciated. If Bushman Rock Painting interests you, choose Halls Country House as your Drakensberg accommodation option.
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