NYERO ROCK PAINTINGS
The Nyero rock paintings are situated in the Kumi District of eastern Uganda, some 250 kilometres (155.3 miles) from Kampala, the country's capital, and 8 kilometres (5.0 miles) west of Kumi town. Among the most significant pieces of rock art in Uganda are the Nyero paintings.
The past/History of Nyero Rock Paintings
Before 1250 CE, Nyero rock paintings were created. Researchers later defined them as primarily of a geometric nature after they were initially recorded in 1913.In line with the dispersal of the Late Stone Age hunter-gatherer culture, this kind of rock art is part of a uniform tradition that is frequently represented in red pigment and spreads over east, central, and southern Africa. The Pygmy-born Batwa (Twa) hunter-gatherers, who are now only found in small populations in eastern Africa, close to the Rwanda/Uganda border and the eastern Congo, are largely credited with creating this art. Before the current population (Nilotic, Luo, and Bantu groups) arrived, Twa hunter-gatherer cultures most likely resided in the general vicinity of these rock art sites. The Iteso, Ugandan, and African peoples' cultural identities are enhanced by the artworks.
An explanation of Nyero Rock Paintings
There are six shelters in the Nyero rock art site (Nyero 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). Below is a description of them.
Nyero 1
A low overhanging rock situated over three supporting rocks creates this little rock shelter. Six sets of white concentric circles and paintings in the shape of "acacia pods" are located on the outside border of the overhang.
Nyero 2
The primary shelter features a vertical rock that is 10 meters (32.8 feet) high against the rear wall, as well as an overhang created by a massive boulder that is thought to weigh at least 20,000 tonnes. The paintings are shielded from the sun by the rocks in front and to the sides, and from direct rain by the overhang. Shades of red are used throughout the artworks. Over forty distinct drawings were found, with the predominant form being concentric circles. One big "acacia pod" design has also been referred to as a canoe. A tiny, shadowy passageway between the stones on the shelter's southeast side leads to a tiny, shadowy shelter with a tiny opening called the "pocket," where the early occupants would present presents to their gods after obtaining assistance from them. The custom of putting money there before or after getting assistance from ancestral spirits is still practiced by the local population.
Nyero 3
About eight minutes' walk from Nyero 2 is this shelter, which is located at the far northern tip of the Inselberg. It is made consisting of a huge boulder that has no standing space and is balanced atop supporting rocks. Visitors must stoop low to reach the far end of the fake protective wall, where another artificial wall reduces the danger and provides a broad view of the surrounding area. White concentric circles make up the painting's outer circles, which are encircled by double-curved patterns with double lines dividing them into smaller spaces.
Nyero 4
There are a few remnants of red finger-painted concentric circles, two conical shapes, and lines on the southwest side of the hill where this little shelter is located.
Nyero 5
This is located next to the elementary school on the western side of the hill and features a red geometric motif made up of both brush and finger-drawn circular and linear shapes. Regretfully, natural water erosion has harmed a portion of it.
Nyero 6
This provides a good view of the surrounding area and is located high on the hill. Two finger-painted outlines of tiny oval forms and a slanting L shape, as well as an outlined cross with a little circle underneath, are formed by traces of red pigment.The painted surface is exposed to the morning sun and rain, and it exfoliates.
Heritage that is intangible
It is thought that the locations of the rock art were hallowed spaces for the gods. The Teso people still value the red and white paintings, but they are also enigmatic because no one knows who painted them. The Iteso people of Nyero used to offer sacrifices and offerings to the gods in order to address issues related to rain, bad luck, blessings, and childbearing. Seasonal prayers were held for both individuals and clans. Strong commitment to locations has been documented in oral history, notwithstanding the government's prohibition of prayer in the 1970s. In several of the caves, remnants of sacrifice smoke may still be seen. Communities in the vicinity are still drawn to the location because it is associated with a hallowed place of prayer within the buffer zone.
Legal safeguards of Nyero Rock Paintings
The Republic of Uganda's 1995 constitution, which requires the state to maintain and protect Uganda's heritage under national objectives and directive principles of state policy (XXV), provides the legal basis for heritage protection. Furthermore, the same constitution's Article 178 (13) permits the state to own, publish, andoversee the cultural landmarks of the country. The constitution also requires the central government to oversee national monuments, antiquities, and archives under article 189(1) schedule 6(10).
The protection of cultural property in Uganda is governed by the Historical Monuments Act of 1967 and the 1977 amended decree. Historical monuments and items of archaeological, paleontological, ethnographic, and traditional significance are protected and preserved under the Historical Monuments Act 1967, Cap 46. The State's legally protected resources include rock art sites and culturally significant properties that have been identified, conserved, and promoted. Anyone found guilty of destruction, alteration, or other offences faces a fine or six months in jail.
Status of Nyero Rock Paintings as a World Heritage Site
On September 10, 1997, this location was included in the Cultural category of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
How to get to Nyero Rock Paintings
The gravel road between Kumi and Ngora, which is about 1 km west of Nyero, provides easy access to the rock drawings. The main gate, which is open every day, collects an entrance fee and offers a guided tour. A guide will lead guests through the caves and recount the area's history.