Context:
A recent study by researchers in South Africa suggests that a unique echo drew ancient artists to the site of Kurukop.
Kurukop
- Archaeological Site: Located in the Nama Karoo region of South Africa.
- Geological Formation:
- Began to accumulate around 300 million years ago, before the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwanaland.
- Eroded sandstone hill, transformed by volcanic activity.
- Signs of Human Evidence: Marked by 112 petroglyphs and other signs of human presence, such as ostrich eggshell fragments and pottery, dating from c. 11,500 years before present.
- Petroglyphs:
- Depicts images of eland, elephants, zebra, ostriches, wildebeest, rhinoceros, and animal-human hybrids.
- Made by hunter-gatherer San and Khoe herder people who visited Kurukop repeatedly.
Petroglyphs carved into rocks possess a clear visual appeal.
Echoes occur when sound is reflected, causing it to be heard again.
Kurukop Echo:
- Echo Attraction:
- Kurukop provides a distinctive echo that drew hunter-gatherers to the site repeatedly.
- Echo Art:
- Evidence shows these people created rock art combined with performances like clapping, singing, and dancing, which were enhanced by echoes.
- The echo also serves as a reference point for a mythological story from the region that speaks about the relationship between echo, wind, mountain, and breath.
- Cultural Relevance:
- Petroglyph distribution data and Echo pattern show that 60% of the petroglyphs were created directly in the echo zone.
- This suggests the Kurukop people were most likely to create images in areas with a strong echo.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazagrhi
(d) Sohgaura
Answer: (a)