Rock art, once considered by most to be merely a 'quaint' representation of the lifestyle and vision of a 'primitive' people, is assuming an even greater importance in academic debate. Rock art research, believed by some to be of the future may well play a prominent role in the understanding of Southern African history  this time when recieved colonial perspectives are being rejected.

the work includes an overview of the development of rock art studies, showing how the approach has been modified in the light of criticisms  and new insights.