Item BWS-MAL-CGN25-35.jpg - BWS MAL CGN25 35

Brief description of site: The site is on a large and prominent boulder with impressive overhang on eastern side. It is situated on plateau area high on the south-east side of Chongoni Mountain. There is 20m2 of shaded and sheltered floor that would make an ideal habitation site. The shelter is known by locals as Panga La Angoni because it is said to have been a hiding place used by the Chewa during 19th century Ngoni raids. The site was excavated by Mgomezulu in 1976 who found evidence of human activity stretching over a period of millennia. It has very arduous access and takes about an hour and a half of brisk walking up a steep slope from Lombadzi stream. The site cannot be seen from base of hill.
Brief description of art: The art consists of a huge panel of images that are far too numerous to describe individually (see sketch). White daubed designs predominate. The principal motifs are spread-eagled designs, snake-like meanders, quadrupeds and dots. There is considerable variety in shape and state of preservation among spread-eagled designs, some are decorated in black dots, more recent ones seem to be smaller. 2 unique images off bellied (pregnant?) bipeds. There seem to be two types of quadrupeds: one is crude but realistic with four legs, ears and tails; the other is square bodied with stick legs, or no legs, triangular head and stick tail (probably nyau figures). The latter are the most recent designs to be painted at the site. Under the daubed white motifs are traces of red motifs applied by finger. These are mostly sets of parallel lines.

Gender: M
Nationality: British
Created by: azizo
Created on: 20/02/2003
Amended by: azizo
Amended on: 21/11/2014