Do your own rock painting of an eland

One of the most sacred animals of the San people was a breed of antelope called an eland, which was of spiritual significance and the creature most depicted in rock art. For this activity, you need to look at the picture of the eland and try to recreate it.

You can either recreate yours on paper or on a rock.

If you are going to use a rock, this is what you’ll need:

• A small rock (please only take rocks from places where you’re allowed to take them!)

• Paint (preferably acrylic in various colours – you can choose which colours you prefer)

• Paint brushes with tips of different thicknesses

• A pencil

Before you start painting, wash the rock and let it dry completely. (If it is a sunny day, put it in the sun to dry.)

Look at the picture of the eland. Think about the colours on the previous pages and choose the colour and shape for the eland that you would like to use. Draw an outline of the eland in pencil on the rock.

Now paint your drawing. Try to stick to painting within your pencil lines - you might have to change your paintbrushes for different parts of your painting, depending on how thick they are.

If you are going to use paper, this is what you’ll need:

• Paper

• Paint or colouring pencils or wax crayons, whichever you are able to use and in various colours

• A pencil

Look at the picture of the eland. Think about the colours on the previous pages and choose the colour and shape for the eland that you would like to recreate. Draw an outline of your eland in pencil on your paper.

Now colour in your eland.

Perhaps you would like to try drawing your eland without making a pencil outline first? Tell us which you preferred!

Please ask a responsible adult to share your art with us. Please ask them to send us your rock art pictures at maverickids@dailymaverick.co.za