CULTURE
Rock art centre sheds light on San
6 June 2002
KwaZulu-Natal's new Kamberg Rock Art Centre, now open to the public, will help visitors understand and interpret the more than 40 000 San
Bushman images to be found in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.
Opened by KZN Premier Lionel Mtshali on June 4, the centre is situated in the
Kamberg Nature Reserve, near to the Game Pass Shelter.
It is here that the
"Rosetta Stone" of San art first provided archaeologists with the key to interpreting
the symbolism of the paintings as spiritual in content - showing how hunters gained
power from the animals that they killed.
The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site - one of just 23 sites
worldwide granted this status on the basis of both natural beauty and cultural
significance. The 230 000 hectare protected area contains 500 known sites of San
rock art.
The Kamberg San Rock Art Trail and Interpretive Centre together offer visitors
information about the world of the
San, and the opportunity to walk to Game Pass
Shelter to view outstanding examples of their art in the company of a trained
community guide.
The San people lived in the Drakensberg area for thousands of
years before being exterminated in clashes with the Zulus and white settlers.
A video documentary on the world of the San can be viewed at the centre, which
also provides contact with their descendants who still live in the area. The centre
offers a range of books, posters and videos for sale, as well as a refreshment kiosk.
The walk from the centre to Game Pass Shelter takes two-and-a-half to three hours
via the Waterfall Shelter. The trail and centre cater for a maximum of 10 patrons at
a time, with tours run seven days a week. It is recommended that places be booked
by phoning Kamberg on (033) 263 7312.
It is also possible to stay at Kamberg
Nature Reserve, although the accommodation is presently being renovated. The
centre is
wheelchair-friendly, although the trail is not; people unable to walk to the
shelter can watch a special audio-visual presentation instead.
For more information call (033) 263 7312 or visit the Kamberg Rock Art Centre web site.
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