Secret San of the Drakensberg and their rock art legacy.

UNESCO; Identity (Philosophical concept); Rock paintings; World Heritage Sites; Rock art (Archaeology)

An overview of the historical factors that led to the formation of the 'Secret San' as an ethnic category, is presented. It is argued that the popular notion of an extinct Drakensberg San is too simplistic and indeed incorrect. Many San descendants have taken on a duel ethnic identity as a survival strategy. Some descendants maintain an active association with rock art and have become part of the international First People Movement and other international initiatives initiated by the United Nations and non-governmental organisations. It is argued that the declaration of a UNESCO- acknowledged World Heritage site within the former abode of independent Drakensberg San groups (i.e. the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage site) initially received little support from San descendants. However, revised management strategies have seen the facilitation of San descendants' access to rock art in protected areas and the incorporation of indigenous perspectives in heritage management plans. In spite of this, San descendants' perspectives on rock art interpretation have been ignored by researchers who traditionally have utilised the ethnography of San groups spatially removed from the Drakensberg in order to highlight the meaning of the art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]