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Record-Making, Research, and Removal: Mitigating Impacts on Rock Art in a CRM Context in Southern Africa—the Case of the Metolong Dam, Lesotho

2021; Springer Science+Business Media; Volume: 38; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/s10437-021-09464-4

1572-9842

Charles Arthur, Peter Mitchell, Lara Mallen, David Pearce, Adelphine Bonneau, Frans Prinsloo, Rethabile Mokachane, Pulane Nthunya, Sheriff Mothopeng, Rachel King, Jess Meyer, Luíseach Nic Eoin,

3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage

Abstract This paper reports on the steps taken to mitigate the impact of the Metolong Dam (Lesotho) on the rock art present within the catchment of its associated reservoir. Mitigation took four major forms: comprehensive survey and documentation, including both photography and tracing; pigment characterization and radiocarbon dating; exploration of the ongoing significance of rock art as a form of living heritage for people living in the vicinity; and removal of selected panels for permanent safekeeping. These steps are placed within the wider context of other cultural heritage management projects in Africa and their success evaluated. Recommendations are made for how similar work should be undertaken in future.