
Karo Man with Handprint Motif
African Ceremonies: Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher
Material: Photograph
Location:Sir Thomas More Building
Historically, the handprint motif left on cave walls is the first trace of man’s presence. Karo courtship dancers are particularly fond of this ancient marking. Whereas most body painting techniques involve the use of a stick with a splayed end as a paintbrush, the Karo create this imprint using a paint-covered hand as a stamp.