In this episode, Alan is joined by Stephen Townley Bassett, a forensic artist dedicated to preserving and recreating San rock art with striking accuracy. Using natural materials like ochre, charcoal, and egg shell, Stephen reconstructs ancient paintings in the same way they were originally made—millimeter by millimeter.

With decades of field experience across Southern Africa, his work highlights the intersection of art, archaeology, and conservation, offering a powerful visual record of a fragile cultural legacy under threat.

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/152

Links

• Stephen Townley Bassett’s Website
• Stephen Townley Bassett’s artist profile
• Stephen’s Sapien’s article on ‘Re-imaginging Rock Art in Southern Africa’
• Stephen Townley Bassett: Saving African Cave Art - Painted Dog Gallery

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