Botswana art

The Tsodilo Hills in Botswana were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, containing some 4,500 rock paintings in total; not all the art covered by this designation is by San people or their ancestors.

These can have a definite use as well, being derived originally from the 'kaross' or desert blanket suited to the very cold conditions of the Kalahari at night and in winter.

The Okavango swamp, some parts of the Kalahari desert tourist trail and various game reserves all support active local art industries.

Leather-work is also popular, as are items made from legally culled or utilitarian urban objects such as bottle tops and wire; drums, beading, rattles, musical instruments such as the mbira and stringed animals such as elephant hair bracelets.

During Apartheid, South African artists in exile gathered in Botswana under the name Medu Art Ensemble to produce political artwork.