CONGRATULATIONS!!

You have found a piece of rock art with an image of a Hyena, which mimics the art of the Khoikhoi. Please continue reading and enjoy one of their stories:

CLOUD-EATING

Jackal and Hyena were together, it is said, when a white cloud rose. Jackal descended upon it, and ate of the cloud as if it were fat.

When he wanted to come down, he said to Hyena, “My sister, as I am going to divide with thee, catch me well.” So she caught him, and broke his fall. Then she also went up and ate there, high up on the top of the cloud.

When she was satisfied, she said, “My greyish brother, now catch me well.” The greyish rogue said to his friend, “My sister, I shall catch thee well. Come therefore down.”

He held up his hands, and she came down from the cloud, and when she was near, Jackal cried out (painfully jumping to one side), “My sister, do not take it ill. Oh me! Oh me! A thorn has pricked me and sticks in me.” Thus she fell down from above, and was sadly hurt.

Since that day, it is said that Hyena’s hind feet have been shorter and smaller than the front ones.

Reference: South-African Folk-Tales by James A.Honey, M.D. 1910

The image on the rock you found is that of a hyena. The Jackal in this story, is portrayed as a type of animal which is a trickster within Khoi folklore – often defeating the more feared and gullible hyena. The Jackal was another animal into which a shaman could also transform himself.

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  "This site is dedicated to the rich history and culture of our forebears in Southern Africa. We do not pretend to be an authority on Khoi or San folklore, but would like to bring across stories long passed down in order to enrich our lives now. There is a lot to be drawn from these shaman who roamed these lands and how they interpreted everything around them. This is a tribute to their way of life.

  We don't have a comments section, no link to any other social platforms or any platform on which to debate - the reason is simple - enjoy this story in the natural surrounding in which you find yourself and enjoy the moment.  Yes, other San and Khoi rock art have been placed on other hiking routes around Hout Bay. All our rock art is aimed at enlightening people about Khoi and San culture and their rich history. Thank you."