{
  "id": 16474831,
  "title": "Southern Africa's first known stenciled rock art found hiding in plain sight",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/southern-africas-first-known-stenciled-rock-art-found-hiding-in-plain",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-25T12:40:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-southern-africa-stenciled-art-plain.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Southern Africa boasts one of the most intricate collections of rock art globally, featuring vivid depictions of animals, humans, and fantastical creatures carved into rocky surfaces using fine brushes or fingers. However, stencils are notably absent from this rich tapestry. A recent discovery has unveiled the first stenciled rock art in all of southern Africa, a finding that adds an intriguing layer to the region's already diverse artistic heritage.\n\nThe two red, humanlike figures, each approximately 9 cm tall, were discovered within the La Rochelle rock shelter, located in South Africa's Mpumalanga province. Pierre and Johnson, the researchers who uncovered this remarkable find, were initially perplexed by the faint stencil impressions. It wasn't until the images \"popped into focus,\" much like optical illusions, that the true significance of the discovery became apparent.\n\nLocated within La Rochelle's relatively well-preserved interior, the shelter's unique features, such as its concreted floor and wooden pews, distinguish it from other rock shelters in the region. Paintings of hartebeest, eland, and humanoid beings can be found throughout the shelter, employing the fine-line brush-painting style characteristic of ancient hunter-gatherer communities.\n\nInterestingly, the stenciled figures were created using purpose-made templates, a technique that is exceedingly rare, even on a global scale. Unlike many other stenciled artworks, which are typically formed by imprinting everyday objects such as hands or tools, these figures were crafted from prescribed templates. The absence of any local history, ethnographic records, or contextual evidence surrounding the stencils makes it challenging to attribute their creation to a specific group or understand their intended purpose.\n\nThe researchers speculate that these stenciled figures may have been produced by an individual or a group revisiting the site over time, with each iteration resulting in noticeable changes to the designs. Alternatively, it is possible that stenciling was a more widespread artistic practice than previously assumed, with the majority of such artworks having been lost to the elements over time.\n\nRegardless of their origin or significance, the discovery of these stenciled figures enriches the already extensive and complex rock art tradition found in southern Africa. The researchers emphasize that much remains to be uncovered in the region, suggesting that additional stenciled artworks may yet be unearthed. As the study concludes, this remarkable find not only adds a new dimension to our understanding of southern Africa's artistic heritage but also underscores the enduring mystery and allure of this ancient form of expression.",
  "summary": "Southern Africa has one of the most detailed and elaborate bodies of rock art anywhere in the world, from herds of running antelope to dancing men and humanoid beings with wings, hooves and horns. All are painted with fine brushstrokes or fingers. One thing this art lacks is stencils.",
  "key_points": [
    "First stenciled rock art discovered in southern Africa",
    "Two red, humanlike figures found in La Rochelle rock shelter",
    "Purpose-made templates used in stencil creation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}