New research from the University of Oxford disputes theories that Indigenous San rock art depicts dinosaur fossils or prehistoric creatures.

A study published in Southern African Humanities by David Witelson of the University of Oxford challenges long-standing claims that Indigenous San and Basotho people in southern Africa incorporated dinosaur fossils into their rock art and mythology. Witelson argues that two prominent cases—one involving a supposed dinosaur footprint and another a tusked creature—are based on misinterpretations of the artwork rather than evidence of fossil-inspired myths.

Reinterpreting the 'Dinosaur' Footprint

Paleontologist Paul Ellenberger previously argued in 2005 that a red shape in rock art represented a dinosaur footprint and that local myths linked it to a creature called ǁKhwai-hemm. However, Witelson’s review of the Digital Bleek and Lloyd Collection reveals that ǁKhwai-hemm is a personified veld fire in ǀXam San stories, not a dinosaur or monster. Ellenberger’s interpretation originated from his own childhood observation in 1930, which Witelson suggests lacks supporting evidence in San oral traditions.

Debunking the Tusked Beast Claim

A 2024 study by Julien Benoit claimed that a rock art figure was inspired by dicynodont fossils, relying on 19th-century copies by George Stow. Witelson, who visited the original site and used digital enhancement, found that the 'tusks' were actually smears of black paint and weathering effects. He concludes the image likely depicts a traditional rain animal, a well-documented figure in San culture, rather than an extinct creature.