Chongoni Rock-Art Area
Location: Dedza District, Malawi
Year of Inscription: 2006
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Chongoni Rock-Art Area is a cluster of 127 sites in the Dedza District of Malawi, known for its unique rock art created by the indigenous Chewa people. The rock paintings and engravings depict the spiritual beliefs, social practices, and daily life of the Chewa people from the late Stone Age to the recent past. The area also holds great cultural and spiritual significance to the Chewa people, who continue to use it for important rituals and ceremonies.
Prominent Features: The Chongoni Rock-Art Area consists of several distinct sites with a variety of rock art styles, including:
Mwana wa Chenthe Site: This site features red and white paintings depicting animals, human figures, and geometric shapes, and is believed to be over 2,000 years old.
Chenthe Site: This site features a mix of red and white paintings, including depictions of animals, humans, and abstract shapes. It is thought to be around 500 years old.
Chambe Peak Site: This site features both paintings and engravings, including images of animals, people, and religious symbols. It is thought to be between 500 and 700 years old.
Mphunzi Site: This site features engravings of geometric shapes and human figures, as well as several large stone circles that were used for important ceremonies and rituals.
History: The rock art in the Chongoni Rock-Art Area is believed to have been created by the Chewa people over the course of several thousand years. The Chewa people have a long and complex history in the region, and their spiritual beliefs and cultural practices are deeply intertwined with the natural environment. The rock art in the Chongoni Rock-Art Area is one of the few surviving examples of their ancient artistic tradition, which was largely destroyed during the colonial period.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the various rock-art sites in the area, which offer an educational and unique experience for children and adults alike. The sites are also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Fun Fact: The Chewa people still use the Chongoni Rock-Art Area for important rituals and ceremonies, and it remains a sacred site to this day.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee of 1,500 Malawian kwacha (approximately 2 USD) per person for visitors to the Chongoni Rock-Art Area.
How to Reach It: By Road: The Chongoni Rock-Art Area is located approximately 40 kilometers from the town of Dedza, which is accessible by road from Lilongwe. Visitors can hire a car or take a taxi from Dedza to reach the rock-art sites.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the Dedza area, including guesthouses and lodges. Some popular options include the Dedza Pottery Lodge, the Malawi Sunbird Ku Chawe Inn, and the Dedza Mountain Inn.
Next Stop: Lake Malawi National Park
Year of Inscription: 2006
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Chongoni Rock-Art Area is a cluster of 127 sites in the Dedza District of Malawi, known for its unique rock art created by the indigenous Chewa people. The rock paintings and engravings depict the spiritual beliefs, social practices, and daily life of the Chewa people from the late Stone Age to the recent past. The area also holds great cultural and spiritual significance to the Chewa people, who continue to use it for important rituals and ceremonies.
Prominent Features: The Chongoni Rock-Art Area consists of several distinct sites with a variety of rock art styles, including:
Mwana wa Chenthe Site: This site features red and white paintings depicting animals, human figures, and geometric shapes, and is believed to be over 2,000 years old.
Chenthe Site: This site features a mix of red and white paintings, including depictions of animals, humans, and abstract shapes. It is thought to be around 500 years old.
Chambe Peak Site: This site features both paintings and engravings, including images of animals, people, and religious symbols. It is thought to be between 500 and 700 years old.
Mphunzi Site: This site features engravings of geometric shapes and human figures, as well as several large stone circles that were used for important ceremonies and rituals.
History: The rock art in the Chongoni Rock-Art Area is believed to have been created by the Chewa people over the course of several thousand years. The Chewa people have a long and complex history in the region, and their spiritual beliefs and cultural practices are deeply intertwined with the natural environment. The rock art in the Chongoni Rock-Art Area is one of the few surviving examples of their ancient artistic tradition, which was largely destroyed during the colonial period.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the various rock-art sites in the area, which offer an educational and unique experience for children and adults alike. The sites are also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Fun Fact: The Chewa people still use the Chongoni Rock-Art Area for important rituals and ceremonies, and it remains a sacred site to this day.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee of 1,500 Malawian kwacha (approximately 2 USD) per person for visitors to the Chongoni Rock-Art Area.
How to Reach It: By Road: The Chongoni Rock-Art Area is located approximately 40 kilometers from the town of Dedza, which is accessible by road from Lilongwe. Visitors can hire a car or take a taxi from Dedza to reach the rock-art sites.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the Dedza area, including guesthouses and lodges. Some popular options include the Dedza Pottery Lodge, the Malawi Sunbird Ku Chawe Inn, and the Dedza Mountain Inn.
Next Stop: Lake Malawi National Park