Cave-paintings by Bushmen

Abstract

MY friend, Mr. George W. Stow, of Queenstown, South Africa, refers in a letter to the interesting subject of the old cave-paintings by the Bushmen, as follows: “During the last three years I have been making pilgrimages to the various old Bushman caves among the mountains in this part of the colony and Kaffraria; and, as their paintings are becoming obliterated very fast, it struck me that it would be well to make copies of them before these interesting relics of an almost extinct race are entirely destroyed. This gave rise to an idea in my mind of collecting materials enough to compile a history of the manners and customs of the Bushmen, as depicted by themselves. I have, fortunately, been able to procure many fac-simile copies of hunting scenes, dances, fightings, &c., showing the modes of warfare, the chase, weapons, disguises, &c. This promises to be a collection of very great interest. In some places it is astonishing to what a degree of perfection some of the wild artists had arrived. I have found three different series of paintings, one over the other; and, as the most recent must be upwards of fifty years old, the undermost are most probably very ancient. The colours are very permanent, and would last for ages if not wantonly obliterated. Unfortunately, the Kaffir herds and others are constantly destroying them, and, by the time another generation has passed, few remains of them will be left.”