KASOMA ROCK ART SHELTERS: A REFLECTION ON LOCAL AWARENESS AND CONSERVATION CHALLENGES
Abstract
This paper stems from an archaeological excavation of two rock artshelters, namely, Nyamang ' ora and Nyankingi in Kasoma Village,
Musoma Rural District in Mara Region in 2012. Apart from revealing the
shelters to be home for Later Stone Age hunter-foragers, the study also
noted challenges in relation to how locals perceive cultural heritage assets
in their area as well as conservation obstacles, resulting from both natural
causes and anthropogenic factors. Through field observations and local
interviews, it became clear that the majority of people do not understand
the significance of the rock paintings in their area, and many are unaware
of the paintings ' existence. This alarming lack of knowledge about their
own cultural heritage among people living in Kasoma Village poses
serious threats to the conservation and sustainability of the priceless rock
paintings at Nyamang ' ora and Nyankingi rock shelters. Among other
mitigation measures to curb further deterioration of the sites, this study
recommends the joint effort of stakeholders such as local community
leaders and elders, the central government ' s Antiquities Department,
volunteer groups, donors both local and international, collaborating in the
dissemination of knowledge about the significance and conservation of
rock art shelters in the area. Key to the success of multi-sector
collaboration is the critical involvement of local leaders at every stage of
decision making and planning of cultural heritage preservation and
archaeological site conservation.
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