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Dated rock engravings from wonderwerk cave, South Africa
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 2, 1981
Summary
Rock engravings in South Africa are at least 10,000 years old. This finding comes from radiocarbon dating of engraved stones found in Wonderwerk Cave, providing new insights into ancient rock art.
Area of Science:
- Archaeology
- Rock Art Studies
- Chronometry
Background:
- Rock art is a significant aspect of South African cultural heritage.
- Understanding the age of rock art provides insights into early human behavior and symbolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the minimum age of rock engraving in South Africa.
- To establish a chronological framework for early rock art traditions.
Main Methods:
- Radiocarbon dating of engraved stones.
- Analysis of archeological deposits at Wonderwerk Cave.
Main Results:
- Engraved stones from sealed deposits at Wonderwerk Cave yielded radiocarbon dates.
- These dates indicate that rock engraving in the region is at least 10,000 years old.
Conclusions:
- Rock engraving in South Africa has a deep history, dating back at least 10 millennia.
- Wonderwerk Cave provides crucial evidence for the antiquity of South African rock art.
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