adminLiberty Dube
IN the serene environs of Rusape, about 20km along the Rusape-Nyanga highway, lies one of the most beautiful rock art sites in the country.
Diana’s Vow, which is one of the only two rock art sites which were declared national monuments in Manicaland, with the other one being Muromo Rock Art site in Zimunya, depicts unique lifestyle of locals.
Rock art of Zimbabwe is a reflection of the society that created it and is a manifestation of the perceptions, values and beliefs of a society and a reflection of its socio-economic life and spiritual life as well.
Diana’s Vow is a detailed painting and one of the finest and unique examples of Zimbabwean rock art. It is a unique piece of art as it blends both human and animal paintings on a large overhang boulder at ground level.
The main scene depicts two long friezes of human figures embellished with white pigment dots and stripe details.
Surrounding these is a wealth of detail depicting domestic artefacts, edible fruits, and items such as baskets with handles, skins bows, quivers and so on. National Museums and Monuments in Zimbabwe Eastern region marketing officer, Lloyd Makonya said the main painting was thought to be depicting the memorial of a dead “king” who is painted much larger than all the other figures and above a lively scene, which fills the lower part.
“The body seems to be bandaged and ready for burial. It is common belief in Africa that the deceased is not absolutely dead, his spirit can observe and influence the living, a scenario which seems also elaborated in the painted scene.
Below the large recumbent figure, is a second smaller and markedly female one, who may be thought of as the favourite wife who has to follow the deceased into the world of shadows,” he said.
He urged people to value and cherish the beauty of rock arts and its significance.
“These are special monuments. The animation in the painting shows that it is the product of superb craftsmen indeed. The site provides an ideal place for your picnics,” added Makonya.
Online Reporter