Article: My first time to see rock paintings The San Culture & Education Centre

My first time to see rock paintings

When I woke up on the morning of the 23^rd of February 2010, I could not wait for the trip to Elands Bay Cave. Janette Deacon, who had told me and my fellow trainees so much about archaeology in a workshop a few weeks ago, had made me curious about the rock paintings at the cave.

Irene Staehelin, the president of Ubuntu, !Khwa ttu’s partner organization, planned to accompany us. She arrived at the parking lot with a big smile. Without wasting any time we all introduced ourselves to her. As it was for most of us the first time to meet her face to face we were a bit nervous, but everything went well. We then took our places in the !Khwa ttu mini bus and off we drove along the West Coast.

The trip took a little longer than I had expected, but we saw many colourful birds and old buildings used by fishermen. Finally we arrived at Elands Bay Cave, where Janette Deacon and her husband were already waiting for us. Janette immediately began explaining and showing us the round shells of shellfish which were eaten by San people in the past. Then we went into the cave and Janette explained to us the wonderful rock paintings. We also asked some questions. I for example, wanted to know whether it was true that my ancestors had very strong teeth because they ate a lot of meat. Janette answered that the San people did not only eat meat but also a lot of plant food and they probably had healthy teeth because they had a balanced diet. She replied to all of our questions and we took notes. Janette knows so much about archaeology and rock art, it is amazing.

Then Janette asked us to help her to clean the graffiti on the rock paintings. We learned how to do this. By then it was lunch time and we all enjoyed our sandwiches and cool drinks. Janette had taught us a lot and of course, we wanted to thank her. We did that by singing for her the song ‘Ethambilami’.  

Now it was time to drive back to !Khwa ttu, but not, before we had been to the ocean. Irene took a lot of photos of us. It was the first time for me to look at rock paintings and I was very happy. Up to then I had only heard about the rock paintings but now I had seen them with my own eyes.

Annah Morris, trainee guide and Naro woman from D’Kar near Ghanzi, Botswana