Vast, diverse and a harsh environment – this is the perfect setting for a cowboy movie. I can imagine a cowboy on his horse exploring the area, searching for golden
opportunities but only finding a dusty town with a bar to drink away the sorrows of life.
And somewhere a tumbleweed comes rolling by. However, this Wild West is more wild
than west with only one small town and a few villages. And the cowboys? Well, they are lone men in this area keeping watch over the brave explorers.
Kaokoland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Africa and there lies a
mystery in this remote and inhospitable area of northern Namibia. Historically, it is
known as the Wild West of Namibia but for those hardcore travellers and explorers who
venture further afield, it is a desert Eden where mysteries and marvels reveal
themselves.
The story of the lone men of Namibia is an enigma. Despite the fascinating landscape
that makes Kaokoland spectacular, these lone men have become a defining mystery of
the area – wherever they might be.
These life-size sculptures or stone men are scattered across Kaokoveld. Each sculpture
has an aluminum disc attached with a number and a message on. The message usually
tells the finder where the stone man is on route to. How many of these lone men are
there? Well, we do not know. Although a man number 37 was found, no one really
knows how many of these men wander the plains and mountains of Kaokoland. To add
to these mysterious men, the identity of the artist is also unknown! Perhaps we will
never know all the answers to the questions we have about these mysterious men.
The sculptures are made from rock prevailing in the area, and each one depicts a
different personality. When driving around in this dry and remote landscape, keep your
eyes open and maybe you will be lucky enough to find them. Some are standing, some
are sitting, some are on their knees praying while another is hanging on for dear life from
an overhang.
These lone men have become a highlight of things to do in Koakoland, and for many, it
has become a treasure hunt to find all the hidden lone men. The beauty of this harsh
environment has been wrapped up in the mystery of the stone men. This is truly a
unique find that awakens one’s curiosity. The world and its rush to make money are long
forgotten once the Wild West embraces you in its arms. Namibia has an allure like
nowhere else!
Author: Janke Murray