Matobo Hills — Nswatugi Ancillary Panel North (Zimbabwe)
Nswatugi Panel N
Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE)·Palaeolithic to Iron Age·🇿🇼 Matabeleland South, Matobo, Zimbabwe
Unknown 1st century CE Roman artist; Photo courtesy of Annette Haug · Public domain
About
About Matobo Hills — Nswatugi Ancillary Panel North (Zimbabwe)
Matobo Hills — Nswatugi Ancillary Panel North (Zimbabwe) in Matabeleland South, Matobo, Zimbabwe is a Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE) rock art attributed to Palaeolithic to Iron Age. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document architectural phasing. The site includes a principal necropolis and ancillary settlement. Dimensions panel 8.5 m × 3.2 m; shelter 28 m wide × 12 m deep; area 5.0 ha. Excavation excavated; condition buried. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Palaeolithic to Iron Age rock-art with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 1400 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction technique
- 02Relation to regional network
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Territorial marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 15000 BCE
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Palaeolithic to Iron Age
- Purpose
- Rock art panel and ritual gallery
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 15000 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1077 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1899
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
20.5400° S · 28.5100° E · 1400 m · 3 mapped features
- Main Painted PanelpanelMain Painted Panel at Matobo Hills — Nswatugi Ancillary Panel North (Zimbabwe) — panel with stratified deposits20.5400° S · 28.5106° E
- Upper Gallery NichegalleryUpper Gallery Niche at Matobo Hills — Nswatugi Ancillary Panel North (Zimbabwe) — gallery with stratified deposits20.5423° S · 28.5077° E
- Ancillary Engraving ClusterengravingAncillary Engraving Cluster at Matobo Hills — Nswatugi Ancillary Panel North (Zimbabwe) — engraving with stratified deposits20.5377° S · 28.5099° E
Gallery