Abstract
Future regular (*crossing fingers*) blog posts have several goals :
To find truth in folklore and myth. In his book The Edge of Memory, Patrick Nunn shows that ancient fact-bearing stories, usually dismissed as “just myths”, occur the world around.
To create an awareness of a rock art that has hitherto not been exposed to in-depth research in South Africa. Astrophysicist, prof. JC Holbrook from UCT replied to my enquiry: “Determining astronomical significance is nearly impossible in South African ancient rock art. However, the fact that there are ringing stones, with obvious marks of where to strike them, should be sufficient for heritage preservation purposes.”
To initiate a shift in the focus from a younger but overpowering popular rock art (paintings in caves), to the much older engraved symbols on rock surfaces everywhere.
To research, explore and claim South Africa’s rightful place in a rapidly expanding and changing world of archaeology due to technology. Focus on Prehistory.
To instill a need in local farmers, forresters and public for the preservation of possible valuable research sites.
Significant stones are present worldwide. Cosmology is recognised as the oldest from of worship. The combination of the two topics are inevitable and supported internationally by all sciences. A multidisciplinary approach to delving into this research continually leads into more than fascinating directions and theories.
Rocks that gong in the Midlands acted as the catalyst for this journey. Ever increasing momentum – whether it be by discoveries elsewhere or new publications landing in my inbox – catapults us into a world of rocks and stones and a history of our planet that defies logic and timelines.
As with any research, this is not achieved without the motivation and assistance of others. I will therefore post contributions (with permission) regularly to acknowledge my friends, their passion and their expertise.
Mary Oliver’s (1935 – 2019) Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention
Be astonished
Tell about it
(Preserve for posterity – is our addition)
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