Nyero Rock paintings are the most visited sites in Uganda. Uganda’s rock art are mostly concentrated in the east and south east of the country. There are a few other sites in other parts of Uganda.
One of most prominent art site is at Nyero between Mbale and Soroti in the east, not far from Mount Elgon, an ancient volcano on the Kenya/Uganda border.
History of Nyero Rock Paintings
Nyero rock paintings date to before 1250 CE. This type of rock art is part of a homogeneous tradition often depicted in red pigment. It was first documented in 1913 and later described by researchers as largely of geometric nature. This type of art was considered to be of the Batwa (TWA) hunter gatherers who are of pygmy origin. These are mostly found in small groups near the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and eastern DRC.
It’s believed that, these people once lived in the general area of these rock art sites. They probably moving on due to the arrival of the present inhabitants (Nilotic, Luo, and Bantu groups).
The paintings enrich the cultural identity of the people of Iteso, Uganda, and Africa as a whole.
These Paintings revel that there existed smart people even before modern civilization came. Nyero rocks are proof that legends and myths about the ancient people of eastern Uganda exsited.
Intagable Heritage
The rock art sites are believed to be sacred places of the gods. The red and white paintings remain valuable to the people of Teso and mysterious since the painters are unknown.
In the past, the Iteso people of Nyero would sacrifice and pay offerings to the gods for problems of rain, misfortune, blessings and child bearing (Nyero 3). Individuals and clan prayers held on a seasonal basis. Oral history recorded strong attachment to sites. In 1970s the Government stopped people from praying there.
Traces of smoke from sacrifices are still visible in some of the caves. The association of a sacred prayer place in the buffer zone continues to draw nearby communities to the site.
Nyero Rock paintings
Nyero rock painting has 6 small rock shelters in a rock cave.
The first Nyero rock, the edges of the rocks of the first shelter has white colored paintings drawn in circles and other shapes of the acacia pods to mention but a few.
The second Nyero rock, this is the main shelter of the area. It is 10 m high and vertically presented against the back of another wall. The overhang protects the paintings from direct rain and rocks in front and to the sides protect the paintings from the sun. This has red pigment color in shapes of concentric circles and other 40 different drawings within the circles.
The third Nyero rock, found in the far north of the Inselberg and 8 minutes’ walk to the second rock. It was formed by a large boulder perched on top of supporting rocks with no standing room. Once inside the artificial protecting wall, visitors have to crouch low down to reach the far end where another artificial wall makes it less dangerous and allows a wide view of the land below. The painting consists of white concentric circles; the outer circles are surrounded by double curved designs, between which are double lines divided into smaller compartments.
The fourth Nyero rock, is a small shelter on the south-western side of the hill where there are a few traces of red finger-painted concentric circles two conical shapes and lines.
The Fifth Nyero rock, situated on the western side of the hill near to the primary school. has a red geometric motif composed of a combination of circular and linear shapes made with both a brush and a finger. Unfortunately, part of it has been damaged by natural water erosion.
The Sixth Nyero rock, situated high on top of the hill and has a good view of the surrounding countryside. There are traces of red pigment forming two finger-painted outlines of small oval shapes and a slanting L-shape as well as an outlined cross with a small circle below. The painted surface is exfoliating and is open to the rain and morning sun.
On your Safari in Uganda, one should never miss visiting Nyero rock paintings. It is believed it’s at these rocks that Stone Age era came about. These rocks are incredible and admirable attractions. During your visit in this place, a local guide will be allocated to you. He/ she will tell you all the history of the rocks and people. Please note that during the rainy season, these rocks are very slippery. Vistors have to be careful when climbing or entering in the caves.
Ganyana Safaris advises you to visit this wonderful place on your safari in Uganda.
