Aron Mazel
Newcastle University and University of the Witwatersrand

Markwe Cave

 © Aron Mazel

Buffalo Panel

 © Aron Mazel

Once inside, the visitor encounters not only an extensive set of paintings but also a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The main part of the cave is about 20 metres long. At first sight, the most prominent paintings are a large elephant outlined in red and a large red buffalo, but the more time you spend in the site the more you see how many different types of images the painters created, many of them superimposed on others. While there are several paintings of animals and humans, a particular interesting image is a red figure which Garlake (1995: 130) referred to as ‘A conceptual two-legged creature with trunk like nose, antelope ears, two legs and a cusped back. Lines suggesting bleeding come from its chest.’ The back of this ‘creature’ also appears to be serrated. Other unusual image at the site is one that which looks owl-like and a snake-like set of parallel white lines.

Note: The scale is 10cm long.

View from Markwe Cave

 © Aron Mazel

 

Elephant Panel

 © Aron Mazel

 

Buffalo Panel

 © Aron Mazel

 

Possible Owl

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Zebra

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Kudu

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Antbear

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Bushpigs

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Hippopotamus

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Man Playing Instrument

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Reclining Kudu

 © Aron Mazel

 

Two Legged Creature

 © Aron Mazel