Zimbabwe is home to an extraordinary concentration of rock art and engraving sites, with over 15,000 known locations that are unique within Southern Africa. These artworks, found especially in places like the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve and the Matobo Hills, date back between 700 and 2,000 years, although some sites in the region, such as the Matobo Hills, contain art that is even older-up to 13,000 years old. The rock art is predominantly created using red ochre pigment made from iron oxide mixed with binding agents like blood or egg white, and applied with brushes fashioned from animal hair, sticks, or feathers.

The images are largely symbolic and reflect the cultural and spiritual life of early hunter-gatherer communities, particularly the San people. They depict a variety of subjects, including animals such as kudu, giraffe, rhino, elephant, and buffalo, as well as human figures engaged in hunting, dancing, and ritualistic activities. Some paintings incorporate symbolic elements like bi-cephalic (double-headed) animals and human figures with fly whisks, which are rare and distinctive to Zimbabwe’s sites. These artworks often cluster around freshwater springs, indicating the significance of these locations to the ancient peoples.

Zimbabwe’s rock art is not only an archaeological treasure but also a vital cultural heritage that offers insight into the beliefs, environment, and social practices of its creators. The sites are protected as national monuments and some, like the Matobo Hills, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding universal value. Conservation efforts, including detailed documentation and preservation by organizations like the Malilangwe Trust, continue to uncover new sites and safeguard this ancient legacy for future generations. These rock art sites also contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, attracting visitors eager to connect with the country’s rich prehistoric and cultural history.