A visit to the Kondoa Rock Art Sites, a series of ancient paintings on rock shelter walls in central Tanzania, leaves one with a treasure trove of knowledge about pre-historic rock art.

The paintings, about 20 km north of Kondoa town in Dodoma region, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The existence of rock paintings in the area was first reported in 1908.

Zuberi Mabie, Kondoa Rock Art Sites's Manager, says in the clip:

"My understanding of the Kondoa Rock Art Sites (is) that it's actually one of the five world heritage sites in Tanzania, actually vested with the responsibility to make sure that the preservation of the pre-historic arts which is the earliest way of communication between generation to generation. So my understanding is Kondoa is one of those cultural sites that need to be protected, preserved, and conserved for today's generation and the next generation".

Though under strict protection, the rock art sites' conservation and preservation are challenged by climate change's impact, said Mabie.

He said the paintings are also facing manmade problems, including animal grazing because the sites are located in the middle of the forest.

Mabie added that there are also some ritual activities that involve the use of local brews which they sometimes pour across the rock surface.

Mabie said new technology in the conservation of rocks is needed to address some of the challenges facing the paintings.

In the video, Mabie says:

"The help is very much needed, like I said there is a new technology right now across the globe on how to deal with this. Unfortunately, we are short of it as a country."

Currently, there are more than 450 recorded painting sites scattered across 13 villages in the Kondoa district.

Researchers have started to document rock arts in other parts of Tanzania, including the Manyara, Kagera, and Iringa regions.

STORY: Tanzanian expert calls for protection of ancient rock art sites
DATELINE: July 2, 2023
LENGTH: 00:05:11
LOCATION: DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the site
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZUBERI MABIE, Manager, Kondoa Rock Art Sites
3. various of people working
4. various of the site
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ZUBERI MABIE, Manager, Kondoa Rock Art Sites

STORYLINE:

A visit to the Kondoa Rock Art Sites, a series of ancient paintings on rock shelter walls in central Tanzania, leaves one with a treasure trove of knowledge about the pre-historic rock art.
   
The paintings, about 20 km north of Kondoa town in Dodoma region, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The existence of rock paintings in the area was first reported in 1908.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZUBERI MABIE, Manager, Kondoa Rock Art Sites
"My understanding of the Kondoa Rock Art Sites (is) that it's actually one of the five world heritage sites in Tanzania, actually vested with the responsibility to make sure that the preservation of the pre-historic arts which is the earliest way of communication between generation to generation. So my understanding is Kondoa is one of those cultural sites that need to be protected, preserved, and conserved for today's generation and the next generation."

Though under strict protection, the conservation and preservation of the rock art sites are challenged by the impact of climate change, said Mabie.
   
He said the paintings are also facing manmade problems, including animal grazing because the sites are located in the middle of the forest.
   
Mabie added that there are also some ritual activities that involve the use of local brews which they sometimes pour across the rock surface.
   
Mabie said new technology in the conservation of rocks is needed to address some of the challenges facing the paintings.
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ZUBERI MABIE, Manager, Kondoa Rock Art Sites
"The help is very much needed, like I said there is a new technology right now across the globe on how to deal with this. Unfortunately, we are short of it as a country."
   
According to Mabie, currently, there are more than 450 recorded painting sites scattered across 13 villages in the Kondoa district.

Researchers have started to document rock arts in other parts of Tanzania, including the Manyara, Kagera and Iringa regions.
   
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
(XHTV)