The Southern San people (commonly known as the “bushman”), inhabited the area from the Cape of South Africa to Zimbabwe and called themselves “/Xam” (pronounced, roughly, “Tsum”). Many years ago they started to paint and engrave pictures on loose stones, on free-standing boulders, and on to the walls of overhands and caves. Scientists speculate as to why this artistic tradition began, but they do know that some of the paintings of the /Xam are amongst the oldest art produced by humankind.

The following are paintings reflecting very ordinary daily activities in the lives of the /Xam: