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Manyana Rock Paintings: Echoes of the San

Explore ancient artistry at Manyana Rock Paintings, a window into Botswana's Khoikhoi and San heritage near Mmankgodi.

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The Manyana Rock Paintings, near Mmankgodi, Botswana, showcase art crafted by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 and 1700 AD. Depicting animals, humans, and abstract designs, these paintings offer insights into ancient rituals and daily life. The site, now a protected National Monument, provides a glimpse into Botswana's cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Manyana Rock Paintings

  • 6HPR+5G6, Mmankgodi, BW

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography.
  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the rock paintings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available at the site.
  • Respect the site by avoiding touching the rock paintings to help preserve them.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in Mmankgodi, you can walk to the Manyana Rock Paintings. From the village center, head northeast towards the coordinates 6HPR+5G6. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Manyana Rock Paintings via public transport, take a bus or shared taxi from Gaborone to Mmankgodi. Buses leave regularly from the Gaborone bus rank, and the fare is relatively inexpensive, typically around 20-30 BWP. Once you arrive in Mmankgodi, you can either walk to the rock paintings, which are about a 20-minute walk from the village center, or hire a local taxi for a small fee.

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Discover more about Manyana Rock Paintings

The Manyana Rock Paintings, located near the village of Manyana and Mmankgodi, represent a significant cultural and historical site in Botswana. These paintings, spread across five separate cliff faces along the Kolobeng hills, are believed to have been created by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 and 1700 AD. The artworks offer a window into the lives, beliefs, and artistic practices of these early communities. The paintings feature a variety of motifs, including detailed depictions of animals such as giraffes, antelope, and rhino, as well as human figures and abstract geometric designs. These images likely held deep cultural and spiritual significance, possibly created by witch doctors as part of religious activities and rituals intended to connect with ancestral spirits. The pigments used were derived from local materials, including soft rocks like bauxite mixed with animal fluids. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed artifacts dating back to the Later Stone Age, with evidence of occupation between the 1st and 8th centuries AD. The discovery of Iron Age pottery suggests contact between the local population and Iron Age herders between the 10th and 13th centuries. Today, the Manyana Rock Paintings are protected as a National Monument, attracting visitors interested in experiencing Botswana's rich cultural heritage. The site is fenced, and entry is gained through a local custodian.

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