WORLDTECHStenciled rock art found in southern Africa for the first time
A report from Phys.org describes what it calls the first known stenciled rock art in southern Africa, a find that adds a technique the region's painted tradition had not shown.
Region's rock art lacks stencils
Southern Africa holds one of the most detailed and elaborate bodies of rock art in the world. Its images range from herds of running antelope to dancing figures and humanoid beings with wings, hooves and horns.
The works are generally produced with fine brushstrokes or with fingers. Stenciling, a technique in which pigment is applied around a hand or object, has not been part of that record.
What the report says about the find
According to Phys.org, the stenciled art is the first of its kind known in the region. The report is based on a single outlet's account, and the facts available do not add further sources, independent confirmation or detail on the site, date or artists.
Open questions
- Has the find been confirmed by researchers beyond the Phys.org report?
- What site and period does the stenciled art date from?