Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes in Namibia

Facts and Data

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2007
Size of heritage: 57 ha
- Buffer zone: 9,194 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 14,373°
Latitude: -19,404°

Summary

Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes has one of the largest concentrations of [...] petroglyphs, i.e. rock engravings in Africa. Most of these well-preserved engravings represent rhinoceros, . The site also includes six painteelephant, ostrich and giraffe, as well as drawings of human and animal footprintsd rock shelters with motifs of human figures in red ochre. The objects excavated from two sections, date from the Late Stone Age. The site forms a coherent, extensive and high-quality record of ritual practices relating to hunter-gatherer communities in this part of southern Africa over at least 2,000 years, and eloquently illustrates the links between the ritual and economic practices of hunter-gatherers.

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Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Namibia

Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes, located in the Kunene Region of Namibia, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This site is renowned for its exceptional rock engravings, which provide a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the early hunter-gatherer communities that inhabited the area thousands of years ago.

History

The history of Twyfelfontein dates back over 6,000 years when the San people, also known as Bushmen, inhabited the region. These nomadic communities left behind a rich legacy of rock engravings, depicting various aspects of their daily lives, including hunting scenes, animal tracks, and spiritual rituals. These engravings were created by carefully chipping away the surface of the rocks, revealing intricate and detailed designs.

It is believed that the engravings served multiple purposes for the San people. They may have been used as a form of communication, a way to record important events, or as a means of passing down cultural and spiritual knowledge to future generations. The engravings also provide valuable insights into the region's biodiversity and the animals that once roamed the area.

Current State

Today, Twyfelfontein is carefully preserved and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site covers an area of approximately 2,000 hectares and is managed by the Namibian Heritage Council. Visitors to Twyfelfontein can explore the site through guided tours, which provide in-depth information about the engravings and the cultural significance they hold.

The rock engravings at Twyfelfontein are incredibly well-preserved, thanks to the dry climate of the region. The engravings are scattered across the rocky landscape, with over 2,500 individual depictions identified so far. These engravings showcase the exceptional artistic skills of the San people and offer a unique window into their way of life.

In addition to the rock engravings, Twyfelfontein is also home to other archaeological sites, such as stone circles and ancient dwellings. These sites further contribute to our understanding of the region's past and the cultural practices of its early inhabitants.

Visiting Twyfelfontein allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of Namibia. The site offers a unique opportunity to witness the artistic achievements of the San people and gain a deeper appreciation for their connection to the land.

Preservation efforts at Twyfelfontein are ongoing, with measures in place to protect the engravings from erosion and vandalism. The site's UNESCO World Heritage status ensures that it will continue to be safeguarded for future generations, allowing them to appreciate and learn from this extraordinary testament to human creativity and cultural heritage.