EXPORT OF ROCK ART MICROSAMPLES FROM BOOMPLAAS CAVE FOR THE PURPOSE OF UNDERSTANDING HUNTER-GATHERERS TRADITIONS AND TERRITORIES

The aim of this project is to investigate the rock art in the Western Cape, specifically focusing on the pigments used in the paintings at Boomplaas Cave. By characterizing these pigments and examining their variability across different traditions, the project seeks to understand the cultural, social, and territorial dynamics of past populations. The research will explore how pigment use reflects past social identities, mobility, and interactions among different communities, with an emphasis on comparing hand imprints and fine line paintings. Through detailed analysis using various scientific methods, including microscopy and spectroscopy, the project aims to provide insights into the material culture of the region, offering new chronological and territorial data that will contribute to a deeper understanding of southern African rock art and its cultural significance.