Petroglyphs, or rock engravings, are images which are created by removing part the surface of a rock by incising, pecking, carving or abrading. Petroglyphs have been found on all the continents except Antarctica, and are often (but not always) associated with prehistoric peoples.
Petroglyphs are found at several locations in Namibia – the best known being the World Heritage Site at Twyfelfontein (Twyfelfontein Rock Art GCH2CY) which is estimated to be between 2 000 and 6 000 years old, but could be as old as 10 000 years.
They also occur at other locations in Damaraland, at the top of the Waterberg, to the east of Rehoboth and along both sides of the Orange River. (Peace of Paradise GC442NP).
Petroglyphs are very difficult to date and this is usually done by the dating of material associated with them. The purpose of petroglyphs is widely debated – the options varying from religious, spiritual, cultural to educational.
One site in Damaraland depicts a selection of tracks of the animals which must have roamed the area in the past. This was clearly for education.
The engravings at this spot are done in dolomite, characterised by the erosion patterns known as ‘Elephant Skin weathering’. Please enjoy the area and do not damage the rocks in anyway.
There are local inhabitants nearby, so be as discreet as possible in finding and replacing the cache.
Congratulations Skidoofahrer for FTF.