101 Reasons to Visit Namibia: Art on ancient walls

They say art is not about seeing, but about what it makes you feel. For me, art has always been a mystery because, to feel one needs to see. It is personal and no two people’s experiences are the same. However, one thing I am sure of, is that I agree with 
W. A. Squire that all the salons, galleries and private collections of Europe do not contain all the interesting art treasures of the world. Often, the most valuable things are found in places you least expect it. Hidden in a cave somewhere in the desert of  deserted place, the stories of people who once traveled by are forever documented. Not with paint, pencil or computer, but with skill. The Bushmen were experts when it came to art.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Rock paintings are found all over the world, but Africa is the true treasure chest. Namibia might not have the most rock paintings but has over 1200 individual rock art sites. Zimbabwe takes the lead in this with over 300 000 individual rock paintings. However, what makes the rock art in Namibia unique is the massive open-air gallery at Twyfelfontein. 

Photo credits: Janke Murray

In 2007, Twyfelfontein was declared a World Heritage Site. The name Twyfelfontein was originally a nickname that the local people gave to Davin Levin, a topographer who discovered a spring in the area, but was unable to supply enough water to sustain his family and animals. In 1948, Levin purchased this land and named it Twyfelfontein -an accurate description as it means ‘doubts-the-spring’. This piece of land located in an area where the Namib Desert becomes Damaraland and the field changes from sand to grassland. Here over 2500 petroglyphs in many different styles were found. Levin was not the first to discover the paintings, as Reinhardt Maack first saw them in 1914. Normally, rock paintings are found in caves or shelters, but these paintings are found in the open air.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Not too far from Twyfelfontein is Brandberg which hosts the famous White Lady painting. The paintings at Twyfelfontein are engravings, rather than paintings. Whereas Brandberg has brush and finger paintings. Further east is the Spitzkoppe which also has a few rock paintings.

The rock art in Namibia also has carvings of animals that are foreign to the immediate arid surroundings, such as penguins, flamingos and some mythical and hybrid figures like the ‘lion-man’. Not so different from the hieroglyphics and religious traditions found in Egypt.

Namibia is not only about the adventure but is a canvas of history. The true meaning of the images is left to the imagination of the interpreter. Art comes in many different shapes and sizes. Namibia might not be the centrepiece of world art, but it is home to many ancient artists.

Author: Janke Murray