Malawi's rock art dates back to the 2nd century

Malawi is home to some of the oldest-known human remains and sacred relics, as well as rock art that dates back to the Stone Age.

High in the hills of the Chongoni forest, lie the secrets to Malawi's ancient past. This exceptional UNESCO world heritage site is home to rock paintings that date back as far as the 2nd century.

These natural shelters have protected the densest cluster of rock art in Central Africa. So far 127 rock art sites have been located in the surrounding area. And the red and white paintings you can see here are unique to Malawi.

"The chewa agriculturalists whose ancestors lived there from the late Iron Age, practiced rock painting until well into the 20th century," Medson Makuru with Chongoni Rock Art World Heritate Site said.

The Chongoni rock art World Heritage Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 2006. But that's not been enough to protect it from modern man. Today the paintings are under threat from graffiti and bush fires. Moses Mkumpha is trying to raise awareness among the local community about the importance of protecting their heritage.

"Importance of involving community & how to protect for future," Conservator Moses Mkumpha said.

Moses and others hope more awareness and better protection will ensure their country's ancient heritage lives on, to provide future generations a glimpse into their past.