Eland and supernatural potencySan Hunter-GathererNone

Origins Centre

Eland with red lines and white dots. Eastern Cape, South Africa.The San believe the eland is the animal with the most supernatural potency (called n|om by the Kalahari Ju|’hoansi, and !gi by the |xam of the Karoo). This power can be best imagined like electricity – useful to harness in the right amount, but dangerous if you receive too much. The San harness the power of the eland so that they can heal the sick. The rock surface acted as a veil between the real and spirit worlds and that the images entering or exiting natural features in the rock surface were actually entering or exiting the spirit world. Manqindi Dyantyi, an old woman living in the former Transkei territory, whose father was the last San painter, described how the San used to touch the paintings during dances to harness the supernatural energy within them.

San Hunter-Gatherer (? – ?)

Explore the ancient art of San hunter-gatherers, featuring trance dances & spiritual rituals. Discover their cultural heritage through captivating rock paintings.

Origins Centre (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Discover human origins & Africa’s rich heritage at Johannesburg’s Origins Centre Museum! Explore ancient fossils, rock art & cultural artifacts. A Wits University museum.

About this artwork

Title: Eland and supernatural potency
Artist: San Hunter-Gatherer
Format: Landscape
Copyright status: Under copyright
Where to see it: Origins Centre
Color intensity: Balanced
Perceived brightness: balanced

Questions & Answers

Is "Eland and supernatural potency" by San Hunter-Gatherer kept in the artist's home country?

Yes - the artwork is kept in the artist's home country. The creator was born in South Africa; the original work is in South Africa.

What is the dominant hue of "Eland and supernatural potency" by San Hunter-Gatherer?

The dominant hue of "Eland and supernatural potency" by San Hunter-Gatherer is green to violet spectrum. The hue is the underlying tone of the palette.

Where is "Eland and supernatural potency" by San Hunter-Gatherer on display today?

"Eland and supernatural potency" by San Hunter-Gatherer is on display at the Origins Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. The museum listing refers to the original work, not to reproductions.

Who created "Eland and supernatural potency"?

"Eland and supernatural potency" is attributed to San Hunter-Gatherer.

What luminance does "Eland and supernatural potency" by San Hunter-Gatherer have?

The colors of "Eland and supernatural potency" show a soft shadow luminance.

Is "Eland and supernatural potency" more bright or more dark overall?

"Eland and supernatural potency" by San Hunter-Gatherer is recorded as balanced, with a soft shadow luminance.

Is "Eland and supernatural potency" by San Hunter-Gatherer in the public domain?

Regarding copyright, "Eland and supernatural potency" is still protected by copyright.