Etemba

The rock paintings on Farm Etemba are situated between Omaruru and Usakos, in the Omaruru district of the Erongo Region. They were first discovered by Kahn in 1965, and the sites and their paintings were recorded in some detail for posterity. Further excavations were undertaken in 1968 by the archaeologist Wendt, who found rock paintings at two out of four sites investigated by his team. All of the following rock-art locations on Etemba Farm were declared a national monument, proclaimed on May 1, 1967:

• Baboon Valley
• Etemba Cave
• Near the Hein Cave
• Gramadulla
• Stone Valley
• Zebra Valley

The main paintings are found in Etemba Cave, which lies north-east of a “northern protruding foot of the Erongo Mountain”. It is visible from the Etemba farmhouse, situated on the southern bank of the Omaruru River, directly on the border between Etemba and Otjompaue-West. To reach the cave, visitors must follow a footpath to the base of the mountain. Sturdy shoes and plenty of water are essential, as the trail continues with a steep ascent of at least one hour, crossing rough boulder-strewn terrain. The principal painted panel lies beside a small cave with the most important imagery, and another smaller cave is located below it, accessible after an additional steep climb.

There is a host of human depictions in the main Etemba Cave, including a series of twelve figures. The smaller cave contains a collection of paintings showing:

• A group of 28 humans, adorned in traditional hunting gear of the day: bows and arrows, quivers, sticks and assegais, knobkerries, and period-appropriate jewellery
• A further group of four humans, including a running hunter, as well as images of sticks and arrows
• Animal figures, comprising a group of nine giraffe, as well as springbok, oryx, rhinoceros, zebra, antelope and kudu

Several figures show fine-line detailing typical of central Erongo rock art, and some panels appear to have been added to over multiple generations.

A few selected tours and safaris in Namibia visit the rock paintings at Etemba. Access typically requires prior permission from the landowner, and guided visits are recommended due to the steep terrain and remote location.