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home Kenya Travel Resources Homa Bay County Mawanga Rock Art

Mawanga Rock Art

4 years ago • Homa Bay County • 13

Rock Art Sites in Homa Bay Mawanga Rock Art: A Millennium Old Painting Although transport to Mfangano island is basically limited to engine boats, with one ferry and a waterbus linking it to Uyoma and Luanda, a causeway is under construction to ease movement. Most arriving at Mfangano island reach it from the southeast end, near Joyland Lodge. From the boat landing it's a 10 minutes walk westbound to Mawanga Cave. The last few metres of the approach is rather steep and a railing is provided. Within the commodious cave is an 8 m2 rock art panel consisting of concentric geometric circles. The didactic pediment reads: "This rock art site is sacred to the Wasamo clan who are the rainmakers of the Abasuba Community and who used it until recently for rainmaking ceremonies. The red and white painted concentric circles, spirals and sunbursts were used in the morning for specific rituals by women from the clan during ceremonies. The red paintings were believed to represent the moon and the white ones the sun." It is also widely thought that Mawango Rock Art, originally painted by the Twa People over 100 years ago, was meant to ward-off bad omen and enemies from the site. Interestingly, Mawanga cave overlooks the tiny island of Nzenze which carries yet another fascinating rainmaking folklore. This, according to the local generational wisdom, is also sacred to the Wasamo clan and was believed to be an ‘abode' for the rainmaking spirits with magical intent to influence nature. Also of interest near Mawanga Rock Art is an impression on the base rock thought to resemble fingerprints, locally known as "Sacred Hand of God". Not too far from Mawango is the resplendent Mount Kwitutu, where the larger in content and more impressive Kwitone Rock Art Site is located. It takes approximately 45 minutes by ferry from Mbita to Mfangano island and there are a few good hotels nearby to set up base. Among the hotels include Joyland Lodge and the Mfangano Island Lodge. Kenya is rich in rock art sites that offer a glimpse into the ancient cultures and artistic expressions of its early inhabitants. Most of these site features rock paintings believed to be several hundred years old, depicting human figures and animals. These rock arts sites, and unique as they are diverse, provide valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and social practices of early societies. Index of Rock Art Sites Around Kenya Busia County - Kakapel Rock Art , Bungoma County - Luucho Hills , Homa Bay County - Mawanga Rock Art , Kwitone Rock Art Site , Marsabit County - Marti Rock Art, Kalacha Rock Art, Turkana County - Lokori Pillar Site Located in the western Kenya, bordering Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County is known for its scenic landscapes, extensive lakeshore, and vibrant community life. It also offers a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions. Touring Homa Bay County allows you to immerse yourself in a part of Kenya's natural beauty, cultural diversity, and immersive historical heritage that rarely gets under the limelight. You Are Here: Mawanga Rock Art Where to Next? Explore Destinations Near Mawanga Rock Art A Guide to Homa Bay County A Summa Digest of Homa Bay About Homa Bay Way Back When 48 Destinations in Homa Bay County , arranged as one would visit these - southeast, north then west - with aid of narratives, strip maps and distance chart: Sondu Miriu Hydro Station , Old Kendu Bay Town , Olmak Beah Resort, Kendu Adventist Gendia , Lake Simbi Nyaima , Ondago Swamp National Sanctuary, Kisindi Lodge and Spa , Homa Hills , Abundu Hot Springs, Bala Lawi Hot Springs , Kanjera Prehistoric Site , Kanam Prehistoric Site , Asego and Kasarua Hills , Homa Bay Town , Asumbi Catholic Church , Asumbi Resort, Kodera Forest , Ruri Hills , Soklo Kipenji , BJs Ranch , Mbita Point , Victoria Sands Lodge, Gembe Hills , Mbita Ferry , Rusinga Island , Rusinga Island Lodge , Tom Mboya Mausoleum , White Stone Beach Resort , Rusinga Island Festival , Ngodhe Island , Kasawanga Village , Mfangano Island , Mfangano Island Lodge , Mawanga Rock Art , Kwitone Rock Art , Abasuba Peace Museum , Siambi Resort , Takawiri Island , Ringiti Island , Mbasa Islands , Gwassi Hills , Lambwe Valley , Ruma National Park , KWS Obiri Guest House , Kanyamwa Escarpment , Nyamugondho Shrine , Gor Mahia Shrine Know More About Homa Bay County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments What's The Lay Of The Land In C.43? Homa Bay is split into two main eco-zones; lakeshore lowlands and upland plateau. The lakeshore lowlands lie between 1,163 and 1,219 ms, with a long stretch bordering Lake Victoria along the north. What's The Air Like In Homabay? Homa Bay has an inland equatorial climate pattern modified by altitude, and Lake Victoria. Temperature ranges from 18 o C to 33 o C, with the warmest months being between December and March. February is usually the hottest month of the year. Know More About Homabay County…

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Mfangano Island Lodge

Kwitone Rock Art

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