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John Hone found a special interest in photography while still at school. Work in the commercial photography field was hard to find and he became a lithographer, mastering many aspects of the print industry. Photography remained an important part of his life, and in 1974 he was invited to join Art Publishers, a well-known national publishing company. Here the skills gained earlier in life served him well and for over twenty-five years he has been the company's MD, all the while retaining a close personal interest in the quality of the products produced. John's great interest in the Drakensberg started when, as a boy, he spent holidays there with his parents, who enjoyed this splendid region. He readily acknowledges that the Drakensberg, with magnificent landscapes, is responsible for first igniting his interest in photography. John is married to Barbara. They have two children, Gareth and Carryn
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Different kinds of bows are depicted in San art. From curved, comparatively straight and triple curved there are a variety of bows found in rock art.
Depiction of arrows, whether they be real or not (arrows of sickness) are quite common in rock art.
Arrows of sickness are said to be small, invisible arrows that malevolent shamans shoot into people whom they wish to make ill.
The arrow points were traditionally made of bone and later of iron. Each point is distinctive; hunters recognise their own and others’ arrows. This is important because an animal belongs to the owner of the fatal arrow, and that person has the responsibility of distributing the meat equitably amongst all the people in the camp.
The poison for which the San are known is placed behind the point so as not to blunt it. The poison was made from snake venom, certain plants and beetle larvae. There is no known antidote, and the San are extremely careful indeed to avoid it getting into their eyes and skin. Men carry their arrows in quivers.
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- English
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Original size: 6 x 6cm