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San bushmen rain dance, artwork
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San bushmen rain dance, artwork
San bushmen rain dance. Artwork of rock art showing San bushmen in southern Africa performing a rain dance with a hippopotamus. The dance induces a trance which is thought to give the dancers supernatural powers enabling them to capture rain dance animals such as a hippopotamus. In the trance they kill the animal and its blood becomes the rain. The lines joining the rain animal to the dancers have been interpreted as lines of power. An alternative interpretation is that the dancers may be leading a captive animal to attract rain. The plants they are holding could be aromatic or even hallucinogenic
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6312053
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Africa African Anthropological Anthropology Ceremonial Ceremony Hippopotamus Hunter Pre Historic Pre History Religion Religious Ritual Rock Art South Africa Bushman Bushmen Hunter Gatherer Hunter Gatherers Shamans Trance
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This artwork captures the essence of a San bushmen rain dance in southern Africa. The intricate rock art showcases these indigenous people performing their ceremonial dance alongside a majestic hippopotamus. It is believed that this ritual induces a trance, endowing the dancers with supernatural powers to capture rain animals like the hippo. In this altered state, they slay the animal and its blood becomes the life-giving rain. The lines connecting the dancers to the rain animal are seen as channels of power, representing their connection to nature's forces. However, another interpretation suggests that these skilled hunters may be leading a captive animal to attract rainfall instead. The plants held by the dancers could possess aromatic or even hallucinogenic properties, enhancing their spiritual experience during this ancient ceremony. This artwork not only offers us a glimpse into an important historical practice but also sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of these hunter-gatherer communities. It symbolizes their deep relationship with nature and highlights how rituals played an integral role in their religious beliefs and daily lives. Through this illustration, we are transported back in time to witness one of humanity's oldest traditions – a testament to our shared history and our eternal quest for understanding our place within nature's grand tapestry.
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