Definition: Rock art engraved or painted on rocks which are small enough to be carried, hence the name 'portable'. May range from large flakes to medium sized stones. Perhaps the most famous example of portable rock art are the two pieces of engraved ochre discovered in the Middle Stone Age layers at Blombos Cave by Chris Henshilwood and his team. According to Henshilwood the two pieces, one two inches long the other three, are around 70,000 years old.
Portable Rock Art
By Alistair Boddy-Evans, About.com Guide
Related Rock Art Terms from the African History Glossary
Rock Art Terms from the African History Glossary
Related Terms from the African History Glossary
Explore African History
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Abraham Lincoln, The Great Emancipator
Lincoln is one of those rare figures who becomes more interesting the more you learn about him. More >
The US Occupation of Haiti
Responding to near-anarchy in the Republic of Haiti, the United States occupied the nation from 1915 to 1934. More >
©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.