Abstract
This article critically examines the conventional researcher-researched relationship that
empowers the researcher over the researched. The orthodoxy of objectivity – claimed to
locate the researchers as neutral observer ‒ is here argued to be a power relation that
has an excluding effect where subject communities are concerned. By means of an
archaeological case study that included mapping and interpretation of ancient rock
engravings we offer a new way of negotiating interpretations. This new way involved four
members from a Bushman community who helped us navigate spiritual, ontological and
environmental dimensions in making sense of rock art.