CONSERVATION OF THE WONDERWERK CAVE PAINTINGS (NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA)
By:
Anaïs Empereur-Buisson, University of Bordeaux & Cosmo-Art Project
Date:
Wed, 06/12/2023 - 13:00
Branch:
Trans-!Garib
Online: Link to talk
Trans-!Garib - hosted by Sol Plaatje University, inviting South African Archaeological Society members
ABSTRACT
This work addresses the conservation of Wonderwerk Cave's paintings (Northern Cape Province, South Africa). A condition assessment of the paintings was made, by identifying and recording the different weathering forms and their relations to rock art. To do so, the rock art area was studied in its entirety, from its geological setting to the wall facies. The different weathering forms impacting the rock art were identified,m using chemical analysis when necessary. The relations between the weathing forms and the rock art were recorded in detailin twochosen study zones. In parallel, the weathering factors in the cave were monitored, in order to understand and quantify their impact on the walls. This work enabled us to calculate a dangerousness index, and to make recommendations regarding conservation measures and future monitoring of the cave.
SOUTH AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
TRANS-!GARIB BRANCH
http://www.facebook.com/transgarib/
htthttp://www.archaeologysa.co.za
Trans-!Garib - hosted by Sol Plaatje University, inviting South African Archaeological Society members
ABSTRACT
This work addresses the conservation of Wonderwerk Cave's paintings (Northern Cape Province, South Africa). A condition assessment of the paintings was made, by identifying and recording the different weathering forms and their relations to rock art. To do so, the rock art area was studied in its entirety, from its geological setting to the wall facies. The different weathering forms impacting the rock art were identified,m using chemical analysis when necessary. The relations between the weathing forms and the rock art were recorded in detailin twochosen study zones. In parallel, the weathering factors in the cave were monitored, in order to understand and quantify their impact on the walls. This work enabled us to calculate a dangerousness index, and to make recommendations regarding conservation measures and future monitoring of the cave.
SOUTH AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
TRANS-!GARIB BRANCH
http://www.facebook.com/transgarib/
htthttp://www.archaeologysa.co.za