Imaging the Layered Fabric Of Paints From Nomansland Rock Art (South Africa)

South African rock art provides a window into the Bushman worldview. For a better understanding of Bushman history and beliefs and the conservation of rock art sites, a better knowledge of the materials making up the paints, the mineral accretions and their alterations is required. A conjunction of imaging techniques (optical microscopy, SEM–EDX, Raman spectromicroscopy and synchrotron FT–IR) allowed us to describe the complex layered fabric that evidences a history of accretion, painting and alteration in eight samples of painted rock. Two types of paints are identified and the distribution of calcium oxalates is discussed in terms of conservation and dating potential.