Eastern Gate to Erongo Mountain
Nature Conservancy |
Rugged landscape on the farm |
The Paula Cave: is
situated in the area of massive granite out-crops known as the Klippdachs
(rock rabbits) that lay on the western edge of the rugged
and grandiose Erongo Mountain
Nature Conservancy. Should you intend making a visit to the cave
you must first contact the
Erongo
Wilderness Lodge as the site lays within their concession area, plus
for practical purposes, the cave can only be visited by means of a guided 4x4 tour.
The Paula Cave: offered a place
of shelter for the early Bushmen, plus a panoramic view of the
surrounding area. It is probable that the site held an amount
spiritual significance; a place where ritual dances were performed;
and a place where records of such events were depicted.
The Cave was formed from the granite
by what is referred to as being Tafoni Weathering which usually
takes place on the shaded side of rock formations. The Paula Cave
faces in a northerly direction. However, the site being north of the Tropic of Capricorn
does experience shade during the early months of the rainy season -
December and January. It was during these 'wet' periods that this
particular area of rock began to disintegrate. Further erosion was
caused by wind blown sands. You can clearly see the water stain
pattern over and above the entrance to the cave.
|
The rocky face |
The Paula cave |
The Paula Cave Bushman Paintings
style and coloration could be compared to that
which can be seen in several areas of the Erongo and the Brandberg. In the below mural we see a row of men apparently holding hands
and unarmed. There are several animals, and the lower paintings are
faded and open to speculations as to what they represent.
