Reenen van Reenen’s (1884-1935) attempt to change the Afrikaner’s views of San rock art

Abstract

    
The aim of this article is twofold: first it is an attempt to show that cultural selecton of what is significant and what is not important, has a direct influence on the collection of historical data on cultural assets. It also attempts to undo some of the bias of the past and holds a warning to society in general to respect the culture and beliefs of others in society. Secondly it shows that Reenen van Reenen was seldom mentioned in rock art literature in spite of the fact that he had written an important early book on tracings in the San rock art sites in the Orange Free State.

Key words: Abbé Henri Breuil, Afrikaans short stories, Erich Mayer, Ficksburg
High School, George William Stow, Helen Tongue, Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, Johannes Schumacher, rock art tracings, San rock art, Spinning and Weaving School of the Free State.