Handprints of the Western Cape: Recording, Measuring, Identifying. Handabdrücke des westlichen Kapgebiets: Aufnahme, Vermessung, Identifikation

Abstract

This article is an approach to answer questions concerning the emergence and meaning of handprint making in the western Cape, South Africa. Through photogrammetrical recording, various experiments and Statistical analysis of handprints, a different approach towards recording rock art in particular handprints was investigated. For these purposes 983 handprints of Diepkloof and Elands Bay
Cave were recorded and examined. Photogrammetry was used to record and measure the handprints quickly without loosing the desired accuracy. The following experiments and Statistical analysis not only verified the results, but were also relevant for the identification of numbers, age and sex of the handprintmakers.