Download - Trust for African Rock Art

Suba - A Tourist’s Perspective - Robert Bangiola“The view from the shore at night of the fishing boats is something I’ll never forget. Thenext morning, the fisherman’s wives lay the fish out by the hundreds in the brilliant sun todry.” That’s how a friend from New York shared one of the many memories of MfanganoIsland in Lake Victoria, about five hours from Nairobi, named after the three stones thathold a cooking pot over a fire, representing peace, stability, unity.I vacationed on Mfangano with Fred Lake, my friend, guided by Jack from the Museumand TARA trained volunteers. In four days we learnt why trees are sacred, large stonesmagical, and how rock art in sacred places tells an ancient and peaceful story. Fred goeson to describe his personal perspective:“From that village we hiked up a steep mountain with a local elder to the sacred rock artsight, with 4,000 year-old wall drawings said to be of the moon and sun. After the art andpicnic lunch, we took an extra 3-hour hike across the mountain ridge, through sacredforests, a school yard, and a new artist colony, and spent a comfortable night in ourguide’s adobe home. The family’s warmth and generosity was much appreciated.66Tonight at the Community Centre we dined and everyone danced together to music ina slow rhythm, waving their arms around and swaying, workers, too. Tomorrow morningwe hope to visit the sacred island (must get permission from Elders) and see anotherrock art sight. There is a hippo in the area, so that may be an added treat.” – Fred Lake,New York, NY.I visited Mfangano first to participate in an international workshop. The beautiful andsimple surroundings were ideal, and afternoon tea was so nice. The second time wasto volunteer with a group helping with a community project through the “Gateway toMfangano,” the Abasuba Community Peace Museum was a great host.Fred’s travel notes capture the beauty of the people and the island. I hope you also havethe chance to feel part of this warm and welcoming community.”Robert Bangiola served as US State Department Cultural Envoy to Kenya, and is nowworking with NGO leaders to enhance programmme sustainability. www.bangiola.com