Manyana Rock Paintings Travel Guide

The Manyana Rock Paintings, found near the village of Manyana, are a significant cultural and historical site in Botswana. These paintings are spread across five separate rock surfaces at the base of the Kolobeng hills. The artworks are believed to have been created by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 AD and 1700 AD, offering insights into their beliefs and daily lives.The paintings feature a variety of images, including mammals, plants, human figures, and abstract designs. Animals are typically portrayed sideways with only two legs, while human figures often face forward. It is believed that witch doctors created the paintings as part of religious rituals, incorporating dancing to connect with ancestral spirits. The ink used was made from mixing soft rocks like bauxite with animal body fluids.Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed artifacts dating back to the Later Stone Age (1st to 8th century AD) and Iron Age pottery, indicating contact with Iron Age herders between the 10th and 13th centuries. The site is fenced and protected as a National Monument. Visitors can also see Livingstone's Tree in Manyana village, where the explorer David Livingstone is said to have preached.