Who were those artists? Who made the rock art? In Southern Africa and particularly in Namibia the artists were mainly San (Bushmen) people. The age of rock engravings has been established to be from 2 000 to 6 000 years old while some painted pieces have been dated up to 27 000 years old.  One of the most famous rock engravings site in Namibia is Twyfelfontein ("Doubtful fountain") in Damaraland where more than 2 500 images have been recorded as well as several paintings. The engravings were first recorded in 1921 by R. Maack in the report written for the SWA Administration but the first detailed study of the site was conducted by Albert Viereck. The name was given to this place by David Levin, a sheep farmer, who moved there in 1947. There is a shelter where paintings of human figures can be seen. More interesting is the fact that both forms of rock art (engravings and paintings) can be found in Namibia unlike South Africa where they are mostly geographically separated with an exception of Northern Cape. There is an opinion that old people used the engravings to teach there children about the animals and the strange circular images found at Twyfelfontein was used like a map to indicate water sources in the area. Twyfelfontein was proclaimed a national monument in 1952.

There is no certainty on the reasons why the rock art was made. Some experts believe that it were the pictured reminders of some events. Another purpose was representation of religious believes, ceremonies or even a trance experiences. It could also be a way of communication.
How long will it be with us? No doubt that the exposure to the elements is causing a damage. An engravings become eroded and paintings fade. But the major threat to the rock art are humans. The best way of protection of the rock art is by not touching it at all. It is highly damaging to spray any liquid on the paintings and engravings.

Famous "White Lady'' of the Brandberg Mountains