Overview
The rock art of the Iringa region in southern Tanzania is primarily prehistoric, painted in monochrome fashion and often displayed in Precambrian rock shelters and overhangs. Based on predominating color types, subject matters, and artistic style, two broad rock art traditions are recognized: The “Hunter-Forager” and “Bantu-language-speaker”, or “Late White”, styles. Most of the paintings of Iringa share some artistic traditions, such as stylistic motifs, techniques of execution, subject matter, and colour, with the rock art of Central and Southern Africa.
The ochre drawings depict human figures, an elephant, jumping eland and giraffe hiding in long grass. It's an easy and worthwhile excursion from town involving a short but steep walk from the car park.
Archaeologically, Early Stone Age sites (Acheulean site) well-known site is Isimila in Iringa as well as other sites renowned for the Middle Stone Age is at Magubike and Mlambalasi. Recently, rock shelters with prehistoric rock paintings have been documented in various sites such as Kihessakilolo, Ikula and Lutona.
Highlights
Rock Paintings
Ochre drawings of wildlife and human figures on natural rock shelters.
Iringa Highlands
Located near Iringa – ideal add-on to Ruaha safaris.
Cultural Context
Insight into ancient hunter-gatherer communities of southern Tanzania.
Half-Day Visit
Easy half-day excursion with a local guide.
