Tour Guide Training Manual
2010 TARA – THE TRUST FOR AFRICAN ROCK ART
AFRICAN ROCK ART TOUR GUIDE TRAINING MODULE
Introduction
Africa has the greatest variety and some of the oldest rock art on earth. With a total of between 10 and 20 million images spread across 30 countries, Africa has by far more rock art than any other continent. The importance of rock art as a medium for studying early cultures and beliefs as well as early morality and the development of imagination cannot be overstated. The art features different techniques and styles and much of it is magnificent and comparable to the work of modern artists of the last 150 years. It is thus irreplaceable.
The rock art draws many international researchers and tourists who come to study and see this unique creative rock art heritage done by our ancestors. This contributes significantly to the economy of the country through the fees that the visitors pay at museums and other facilities across the country. Communities should therefore the lead. Stimulated by the sight of tourists and growing support from government offices, development agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), communities should develop the infrastructure and services required for tourism.
This tour guide training module aims at empowering the communities that have rock art sites by providing competent and professional tour guides who in essence are the main representatives of the community to the tourists. It has been developed by TARA – the Trust for African Rock Art which is a non-governmental organization that aims to conserve and preserve the rock art heritage.
TARA – The Trust for African Rock Art
Our Mission
To create greater global awareness of the importance and endangered state of African rocks art; survey sites; monitor status; be an information resource and archive; and promote and support rock art conservation measures.
TARA is the world's only organization dedicated to this cultural heritage, and as
AFRICAN ROCK ART TOUR GUIDE TRAINING MODULE
Introduction
Africa has the greatest variety and some of the oldest rock art on earth. With a total of between 10 and 20 million images spread across 30 countries, Africa has by far more rock art than any other continent. The importance of rock art as a medium for studying early cultures and beliefs as well as early morality and the development of imagination cannot be overstated. The art features different techniques and styles and much of it is magnificent and comparable to the work of modern artists of the last 150 years. It is thus irreplaceable.
The rock art draws many international researchers and tourists who come to study and see this unique creative rock art heritage done by our ancestors. This contributes significantly to the economy of the country through the fees that the visitors pay at museums and other facilities across the country. Communities should therefore the lead. Stimulated by the sight of tourists and growing support from government offices, development agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), communities should develop the infrastructure and services required for tourism.
This tour guide training module aims at empowering the communities that have rock art sites by providing competent and professional tour guides who in essence are the main representatives of the community to the tourists. It has been developed by TARA – the Trust for African Rock Art which is a non-governmental organization that aims to conserve and preserve the rock art heritage.
TARA – The Trust for African Rock Art
Our Mission
To create greater global awareness of the importance and endangered state of African rocks art; survey sites; monitor status; be an information resource and archive; and promote and support rock art conservation measures.
TARA is the world's only organization dedicated to this cultural heritage, and as