Interpreting unusual imagery: a rare rock art depiction of a bushbuck in the southeastern mountains of South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT A rare, painted depiction of a bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) is reported from the Drakensberg Mountains of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The painting is located outside the known distribution range of the species. It is identified based on the close correlation between details of the painting and the colouration of the animal. Differences between the painting and animal are noted. These differences are discussed in terms of San views on anomalous individual animals. How depictions of such animals may act as symbols is also discussed.