Title Image

Cultural Heritage in Zimbabwe

Rock Art & Archaeological Heritage

Zimbabwe is home to 15,000 rock art and engraving sites, of which many are unique to the country with few examples found in the rest of Southern Africa. Although carbon dating has not been performed on the rock art found on the Malilangwe Reserve it is known that sandstone rock art has a lifespan of approximately 6,000 years.  With this known fact, it is believed that the rock art on Malilangwe would be 700 to 2,000 years old.  We have discovered 121 individual rock art sites on the Reserve.

The rock paintings of Malilangwe are largely monochrome red, primarily due to the availability of red pigments in the area. The paint was made by grinding red oxide into a powder and mixing it with a binding agent such as blood or egg white. The motifs were then painted onto the rocks using brushes made from animal hair, sticks, or feathers.

There are three types of rock art on Malilangwe: Iron age art, herder art, and San rock art. Experts believe that the images portrayed in much of the San rock art are symbolic rather than being a literal record of events. At Malilangwe as many characteristics are either rare or have not previously been recorded have been discovered. The Trust continues to focus on recording and understanding these priceless archaeological treasures, which so fittingly provide an account of the ancient cultural heritage of the area.

Kambako Living Museum of Bushcraft

At the Kambako Living Museum of Bushcraft, the aim is to “preserve the past to enrich the future.” The museum showcases the bushcraft skills that have enabled the local Shangaan people to sustain themselves in their natural environment for centuries. A tour of the museum takes visitors on a historic journey through time. Visitors will learn more about the Shangaan people’s intimate knowledge of their natural resources and in-depth understanding of animal behavior, which made it possible for them to survive as hunter-gatherers until the recent past. A fascinating hands-on presentation shows how they made a fire, gathered caloric staples, weaved baskets to carry food, and trapped and hunted animals. The transition during the Iron Age to their current agro-pastoral lifestyle is also discussed. The methods used by the Shangaan are compared with other cultures around the world, and the link between primitive skills and modern technological development is discussed. The adaptability and ingenuity of the human spirit are emphasized throughout the tour, and the pros and cons of the Shangaan way of life are discussed in relation to modern first-world existence.

To the Trust, the museum is an invaluable record of traditional culture in the area. It serves not only as an attraction to visitors to Malilangwe but also as an important part of the curriculum of Malilangwe’s conservation education programs.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

Support ACCF’S Malilangwe Trust Project in Zimbabwe.

This site uses cookies. By clicking ‘Accept’, you agree to the use of cookies. Cookie Policy
Accept
Reject
Cookie Settings
This site uses cookies. By clicking ‘Accept’, you agree to the use of cookies. Cookie Policy
Accept
Reject
Cookie Settings