Which period of rock art in Africa was the first to develop?

The first period of rock art in Africa is typically associated with the Stone Age, particularly the Middle Stone Age, which dates back to around 100,000 years ago. This early rock art, found in locations like the Blombos Cave in South Africa, features abstract engravings and simple motifs. It is believed to reflect the cognitive and cultural development of early Homo sapiens in the region. Later periods, such as the Late Stone Age, saw more elaborate and figurative art, including the famous paintings in the Sahara and southern Africa.