One
great way of learning of history in Swaziland is through rock art. Most
of the rock art belongs to the Bushman and their tradition of painting on rock
walls, and occasionally free standing rock faces. The traditional rock
art of the Bushman people expresses cultural rituals and beliefs, show various
animals, hunting parties, battle scenes and dances. (1)
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| Nsangwini Rock Art (1) |
The Nsangwini Rock Art Shelter was one of the first and
largest sites in Swaziland to be found, in 1958, and there was great diversity
of the subjects of the art. Take for example, in the above picture, the
two winged figures that are greatly detailed compared to most rock art that has
been found. It is believed that these
figures represent shamans that have been transformed after entering the spirit
world. (1)
One
image, called the “Mythic Woman”, appears in various forms throughout the site
may also be significant to the beliefs of the time. She is shown in a posture that eludes to
reproduction, which could be a part of a creation mythology. Also
at the site there are paintings of blue wildebeest, a unique feature in
Swaziland rock art and absent in most Bushman art. These blue wildebeest might possibly
represent the spirits of the ancestors of the people who sheltered in these
rocks. (1)
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| Nsagwini Rock Art (1) |
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| Swaziland Coat of Arms (2) |
The Coat of Arms for Swaziland is important to the people as a
symbol for their traditions and culture. The lion represents the King of the people
and the Elephant standing opposite represents the Queen-Mother. Both hold up a shield, a traditional Nguni
shield, representing protection from their enemies. On top of the shield is a crown of feathers,
the kings lidlabe, which is worn during the Incwala ceremony, which is the Festival of First Fruits. On the bottom
is the word Siyingaba printed on a banner, which means “We are the fortress”;
Swaziland’s motto. (2)
1) Swaziland National Trust Commission http://www.sntc.org.sz/cultural/rockart.asp
2) Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland http://www.swaziland.org.tw/e12.html
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