digital photograph (colour) | British Museum

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digital photograph(colour)

Object Type
Museum number: 2013,2034.13004
Description: Digital photograph (colour); view of granite rock shelter under large boulder showing white rock paintings, with a man standing beneath it. Laikipia, Kenya. Scanned
Producer name
Production date: 08 May 2006 (date digitized); March 1997 (original photograph)
Production place: Photographed in: Laikipia
Technique
Dimensions: File size: 119 megabytes; Resolution: 300 dots per inch
Curator's comments: This huge granite boulder is used for meat-feasting ceremonies; a local Ndorobo stands beneath the rock overhang. These rock paintings appear to correspond to the tradition of rock painting by initiated men from Maa- speaking societies during meat feasting activities. Traditionally, Samburu and Maasai men may not eat meat in their home compounds and so cook and eat livestock together, some distance away, often at rock shelter sites. During this time they may mark the shelter walls with images reflecting animal brand marks or clan symbols.
Location: Not on display
Associated places: Topographic representation of: Laikipia
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 2013
Department: Africa, Oceania and the Americas
Registration number: 2013,2034.13004
Additional IDs: Previous owner/ex-collection number: KENLAI0060002 (TARA number)