Motivation and the rain animal in the rock art of southern Africa

Abstract

The question arises why paintings and engravings were made on the rocks of southern Africa and also why the theme of the 'rain animal' or 'rain snake' was often executed. Motivation for the artistic activity involved is found in an ascending hierarchy of human needs; while the frequency with which the 'rain animal' was depicted is related to various levels in this hierarchy. A representative sample of artistic expression is considered in demonstration of the arguments put forward.

Die vraag ontstaan waarom skilderinge en gravures geskep is op die rotse van suider-Afrika en waarom die tema van die 'reendier' of 'reenslang' so dikwels voorkom. Motivering vir die betrokke artistieke aktiwiteit word gevind in 'n stygende hierargie van menslike behoeftes; terwyl die gereeldheid van die uitbeelding van die 'reendier' in verband gebring word met verskeie vlakke binne hierdie hierargie. 'n Verteenwoordigende aantal kunswerke word ondersoek as demonstrasie van die gegewe argumente.