The Harris matrix technique in the construction of relative chronologies of rock paintings in South Africa

Abstract

The Harris matrix has become popular as a technique for constructing relative chronological sequences in South African rock art. This article reviews these studies and notes a methodological distinction between those conducted in multiple and single-tradition contexts. This critique of the Harris matrix as it has been applied to rock art concludes that it cannot be used to construct sequences of temporal strata of paintings in cases where these strata cannot be independently defined. This conclusion calls into question the reliability of sequences of San rock art that have been constructed using the Harris matrix technique.

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