1976 South West Africa (SWA) First Day Cover, featuring four stamps and an illustration of prehistoric rock art.

Key Points

• This product is a 1976 South West Africa (SWA) First Day Cover, featuring four stamps and an illustration of prehistoric rock art.
• It includes four stamps (4c, 10c, 15c, 20c) depicting prehistoric rock art by Harald Pager, postmarked on March 31, 1976, in Omaruru, South West Africa.
• The cover commemorates the ancient rock art of the region, showcasing cultural heritage through depictions of animals and human figures.
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $5 and $20, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1976 South West Africa (SWA) First Day Cover is a philatelic item celebrating the prehistoric rock art of the region, now known as Namibia. Featuring a detailed illustration of ancient human figures and four stamps showcasing rock art by Harald Pager, this cover highlights the cultural and historical significance of the area’s indigenous heritage. It’s a perfect addition for collectors of African history, philatelists, and those interested in prehistoric art, offering a unique connection to the ancient past of South West Africa.

Historical Context

South West Africa, under South African administration until its independence as Namibia in 1990, has a rich history of prehistoric rock art, with sites like Twyfelfontein (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007) showcasing engravings and paintings dating back thousands of years. These artworks, often created by the San (Bushmen) people, depict animals, human figures, and hunting scenes, providing insight into ancient life in the region. The 1976 issuance of this first day cover, featuring rock art documented by Harald Pager—a noted archaeologist and artist—reflects a growing interest in preserving and celebrating indigenous cultural heritage during a period of political tension, as the region was moving toward independence amid anti-apartheid struggles.

Collectible Value

First day covers from South West Africa are sought after by collectors for their historical significance, especially given the region’s transition to Namibia in 1990, which makes pre-independence items particularly noteworthy. This 1976 rock art cover, with its clear postmark, detailed illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $20, based on typical market trends for similar items. Its focus on prehistoric art and its issuance during a pivotal period in the region’s history enhance its appeal to collectors of both philatelic and cultural memorabilia.

Unexpected Detail: Harald Pager’s Contribution

An interesting aspect of this cover is its connection to Harald Pager, the artist and archaeologist whose work is featured on the stamps. Pager dedicated much of his life to documenting rock art in southern Africa, particularly in Namibia, where he meticulously recorded thousands of paintings and engravings. His book, Namaqualand (1989), is a seminal work on the subject, and his illustrations on these stamps reflect his commitment to preserving the region’s cultural heritage. This cover not only celebrates the art itself but also honors Pager’s significant contribution to archaeology.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the 1976 South West Africa Prehistoric Rock Art First Day Cover

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the 1976 South West Africa (SWA) First Day Cover, exploring its features, historical context, and collectible value. The cover, analyzed through the provided image, is a philatelic item that celebrates the ancient rock art of the region, making it a valuable piece for collectors of both stamps and cultural artifacts.

Product Description and Features

The 1976 South West Africa (SWA) First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to commemorate the prehistoric rock art of the region, now known as Namibia. The cover features a detailed illustration of ancient human figures, depicted in a stylized, stick-like form, engaged in what appears to be a hunting or communal activity, reminiscent of the San (Bushmen) rock paintings found in sites like Twyfelfontein. The illustration is printed in black on a beige background, complementing the earthy tones of the stamps. A blue “Per Lugpos / By Air Mail / Par Avion” label in the top left corner indicates the cover’s airmail status.

Affixed to the cover are four stamps, each depicting prehistoric rock art documented by Harald Pager:

• 4c Stamp: Two elephants, one larger and one smaller, in a reddish-brown hue.
• 10c Stamp: A rhinoceros and a human figure with a bow, in a similar reddish-brown tone.
• 15c Stamp: An antelope, possibly a kudu, with human figures in the background.
• 20c Stamp: A human figure with a bow, alongside abstract shapes, in a reddish-brown palette.

Each stamp is labeled “SWA” (South West Africa) and “1976,” with “Harald Pager” credited as the artist. The stamps are postmarked with a circular cancellation reading “Omaruru 31.3.1976,” confirming their first day of issue status. The cover’s condition appears good, with some minor wear around the edges but no significant tears or stains, preserving its visual and collectible value.

Historical Significance and Context

South West Africa, under South African administration from 1915 until its independence as Namibia in 1990, is home to some of the world’s most significant prehistoric rock art, created by the San (Bushmen) people over thousands of years. Sites like Twyfelfontein, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, feature engravings and paintings of animals, human figures, and hunting scenes, offering a window into ancient life in the region. The 1976 issuance of this first day cover, featuring rock art documented by Harald Pager, reflects a growing interest in preserving and celebrating indigenous cultural heritage during a period of political upheaval. South West Africa was under apartheid-era South African control, and the push for independence was intensifying, with the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) leading the liberation movement. This cover, issued in 1976, captures a moment of cultural recognition amid these broader struggles.

Harald Pager, the artist credited on the stamps, was a German archaeologist and illustrator who dedicated much of his career to documenting rock art in southern Africa. His work in Namibia, particularly in the Brandberg Mountain area, resulted in thousands of detailed drawings and photographs, preserving art that was at risk of degradation. Pager’s illustrations on these stamps highlight the beauty and historical significance of the region’s rock art, making the cover a tribute to both the ancient artists and Pager’s preservation efforts.

Collectible Value and Market Analysis

First day covers from South West Africa are popular among collectors for their historical significance, especially given the region’s transition to Namibia in 1990, which makes pre-independence items particularly noteworthy. The 1976 rock art cover, with its clear postmark, detailed illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $20, based on market trends for similar items. For example, first day covers from South West Africa often sell on platforms like eBay or through stamp dealers in this price range, with variations depending on condition, rarity, and the popularity of the theme. The cover’s focus on prehistoric art, its issuance during a pivotal period in the region’s history, and its connection to Harald Pager’s work enhance its appeal to collectors of both philatelic and cultural memorabilia.

Detailed Stamp Analysis

The four stamps on the cover are part of a 1976 South West Africa series dedicated to prehistoric rock art, with illustrations by Harald Pager:

• 4c Stamp: Depicts two elephants, one larger and one smaller, in a reddish-brown hue, reflecting the style of rock paintings found in the region.
• 10c Stamp: Shows a rhinoceros and a human figure with a bow, capturing a hunting scene typical of San rock art.
• 15c Stamp: Features an antelope, possibly a kudu, with human figures in the background, showcasing the fauna often depicted in ancient art.
• 20c Stamp: Illustrates a human figure with a bow, alongside abstract shapes, highlighting the symbolic elements often found in rock paintings.

Each stamp is labeled “SWA” (South West Africa) and “1976,” with “Harald Pager” credited as the artist. The denominations (4c, 10c, 15c, 20c) reflect the postal rates of the time in South West Africa, with the higher values likely intended for airmail or international postage, as indicated by the “Per Lugpos / By Air Mail / Par Avion” label. The stamps’ placement on the cover, along with the clear Omaruru postmark, enhances the item’s philatelic appeal.

Comparative Analysis with Other Collectibles

Compared to other first day covers you’ve provided, such as the 1980 Winter Olympics series (valued at $5–$25), this 1976 South West Africa cover offers a different cultural focus, appealing to collectors interested in African history and prehistoric art rather than sports. Compared to other South West African memorabilia, such as early colonial postcards or independence-era items, this first day cover provides a more affordable entry point for collectors. A rare South West African artifact, such as a San rock art fragment (if legally available), could fetch hundreds of dollars, while this cover offers a more accessible way to own a piece of the region’s cultural history. Its focus on rock art also makes it unique among philatelic items, as such themes are less common than sports or political figures.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Harald Pager’s Contribution

An intriguing aspect of this cover is its connection to Harald Pager, whose work is featured on the stamps. Pager, a German archaeologist, spent decades documenting rock art in southern Africa, particularly in Namibia’s Brandberg Mountain, where he recorded over 43,000 individual paintings and engravings. His meticulous drawings, often done by hand under challenging conditions, preserved art that was at risk of fading due to natural erosion and human activity. Pager’s book, Namaqualand (1989), is a seminal work on the subject, and his illustrations on these stamps reflect his commitment to cultural preservation. This cover not only celebrates the ancient rock art but also honors Pager’s significant contribution to archaeology, making it a bridge between ancient history and modern scholarship.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1976 South West Africa Prehistoric Rock Art First Day Cover is a culturally significant collectible that celebrates the ancient heritage of the region through its stunning rock art illustrations. Its detailed cachet, clear postmark, and connection to Harald Pager’s preservation efforts make it a standout piece for collectors of African history and philately. Whether you’re interested in prehistoric art, the history of South West Africa, or stamp collecting, this cover offers a unique blend of cultural and historical value, reflecting the enduring legacy of the region’s indigenous peoples and the efforts to preserve their art for future generations.