Southern Africa's First Stenciled Rock Art Discovered Hidden in Plain Sight

Archaeologists have identified the first known stenciled rock art in Southern Africa, a region famed for its rich and elaborate rock art traditions. While the area is renowned for finely painted images of antelope, dancing figures, and fantastical human-animal hybrids, stencils—created by spraying pigment over a hand or object—were previously unknown here. The discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the techniques used by prehistoric artists in the region. It suggests that stenciling, common in other parts of the world like Europe and Southeast Asia, was also practiced in Southern Africa, expanding our understanding of cultural connections and artistic innovation. Researchers say the stencil was found 'hiding in plain sight' at a well-known site, overlooked for decades because it blended with other imagery. This finding underscores the importance of re-examining existing sites with fresh eyes. It opens new avenues for studying the spread of artistic techniques and the symbolic meanings behind rock art in the region.