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    Nyero rock Uganda is one of the most important rock art sites, not just in Uganda but in Africa as well. It has well-preserved rock paintings that are utilized in study of rock art. The rock paintings are located in Kumi District in eastern Uganda, about 8km west of Kumi town. That’s about 250 km from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

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    Nyero rock paintings at Nyero rock Uganda near Mount Elgon National Park
    Nyero rock paintings

    Nyero Rocks

    The Nyero site was discovered by C.A.E Harwich in 1945, and it was Nyero was the first rock art site to be catalogued and described in full within Uganda. Nyero itself is composed of granite, and just less than 40m high. There are two areas of the site which are considered to be shelters. Nyero 1 is a small one with only a small overhang of 2 metres. Nyero 2 is much larger with a 16 metres overhang and is where the most rock paintings have been found.

    Nyero 1

    This is a very small portion of rock paintings in comparison with those at Nyero 2. They consist of several concentric circles and all the paintings are white, no red is found here. Overlapping of the paintings may suggest that there was several time periods of painting

    Nyero 2

    The main group of paintings covers a panel that is 13.5m long and 6m broad. Throughout time weathering has occurred, mostly vertical weathering from water coming down the face of the rock. Vandalism has also played a part is of lessening these paintings. Concentric circles make up the main part of the large panel of paintings. 47 have been counted with a variety of sizes, some being only 8 cm and other being recorded at 75 cm.

    There are three to seven circles, each with a concentric circular pattern. Another prominent shape at this site is the canoe shape. The longest would have been two and half meters when it was fully intact. Not all the canoes are the same, some are more angular while others are more rounded, in relation to how the canoe is drawn. Six canoes have been recorded here. Other traditional shapes are also present such dots, dashes and u-shaped drawings

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    Symbolism of the art at Nyero Rock Uganda

    The symbolism behind this rock art has also been debated for a long time. There are a couple of different theories that may be discussed, keeping in mind that there is no way to prove any of the theories. There is one problem with trying to interpret these paintings. While, most rock paintings depict humans or animals rock paintings, in Uganda it is not the case. Being abstract in nature makes it much more challenging to understand what the creators were trying to convey.

    On that note, there are a few theories about what the rock paintings are. The concentric circles with what appears to be rays have been associated with chief. This makes the argument that these sun-shapes are connected with chief figures. The spiral, something that can be defined as the same thing as a concentric circle, is considered a symbol for chiefs.

    Another interpretation depends more strongly on the theory that pygmies created the rock art. Based on that theory there have been a lot interpretations that the art is based on astronomy of the pygmy culture. There is also the common theory that these paintings were associated with some kind ritual. these theories are based on pure interpretation with none of them being proven. There does no way really know what the artist intent was.

    After your paved safari to eastern Uganda, you should consider having two or more hours reciting the history of these mystic rock art paintings. It’s one of those attractions you will fall in love with. A portion of tourists who make respective destinations to Nyero Rock Paintings also get a chance to explore the 3 caves around the landmark.

    The Nyero Rock paintings

    Nyero rock Uganda are amazing sites in Uganda, but one of the precautions to take during your visit is walking with caution, because the rocks are extremely slippery during rainy seasons. If you climb up onto the top of the shelter, you will see some of the great views of the surrounding area. You might also find a few monkeys, bird species, and a few reptiles.

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    Besides Nyero rocks Uganda, there are Kakoro rocks and Mount Elgon caves to explore. Visitors to Mount Elgon National Park, have also expressed interest in hiking Mount Elgon adventure. You may also complement your adventure with hiking Rwenzori mountains experience, a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an amazing gorilla trekking safari, to encounter the mountain gorillas. This is one of the most exciting Uganda safaris that most visitors have had and turned so memorable.

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