Traditional Custodianship of Rock Art Sites in Central Mozambique: A Case Study from Manica District

Abstract

In Mozambique, as in other parts of Africa since pre-colonial times, traditional management systems were used in order to help to preserve places with cultural significance such as rock art sites. Some rock art sites in central Mozambique are perceived as powerful places for communication with the ancestors. Therefore, they are traditionally managed by local communities. A recent investigation undertaken at the rock art sites of Chinhamapere Hill in the Manica province of Central Mozambique helps to support this discussion. This is centred on the traditional custodianship of archaeological sites as a strategy for managing cultural heritage.