The art of music. The representation of musical instruments in the rock art of Zimbabwe.

Musical instruments depicted at rock art sites in Zimbabwe have received little systematic study. This article compiles and classifies such motifs from publications and the SARADA archive, then examines whether they are linked to altered states of consciousness. It also explores possible connections between gender and music, and comments on regional differences in how instruments are portrayed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between music and rock art by looking at the occurrence of musical instruments at rock art sites in Zimbabwe. Much of the attention paid to the rich rock art heritage of this country has focused on the documentation of sites, the meaning of the painted and engraved motifs in them and the regional variability they display. Despite some brief mentions, the depiction of musical instruments is still in need of systematic study. This article's first objective is to compile the information about this type of motifs found in publications and the SARADA archive. Having identified and classified them, it then explores whether musical instruments depicted at rock art sites are connected to altered states of consciousness. The possible relationship between gender and music is also explored and regional differences in the depiction of musical instruments are commented on.