10. Anchors

A peaceful sunset near Nswatugi Cave.

Please visit the The Arts in Focus to obtain information about our 2014 Matopos Calendar - 

an initiative supporting rhino conservation in Zimbabwe.

While in the Seychelles, I spent some time aboard an assortment of seafaring vessels studying their anchors. Like the rudder of a boat, the anchor is but a fraction of the boat’s entire make-up, but it serves an immense role! While the rudder is also a relatively small component it is almost in constant use while the ship is moving. The anchor on the other side (also literally!!) is only needed from time to time. So most of the time the anchor is an unused component, stashed away… But when needed, it is critical beyond any doubt. Without it, or when it fails, there is normally a major catastrophe as ships may run ashore, either beached, stuck in sand or smashed to timber on the rocks…

A see of rocks.

Many words in current daily use are based on their original and practical form, but now used in a figurative sense to convey the importance of its practical and often crucial meaning. So today we use the word anchor in various contexts, all based on the notion that the anchor ties, moor or tethers the vessel to the sea bottom in order to prevent the boat from drifting or running ashore. So today, journalists anchor television programs; maintaining stability and purpose, and centering discussions around the focal point, or we say that many practical applications are anchored in sound theory! These phrases have absolutely nothing to do with ships and chains and anchors, but we immediately understand the meaning and the value of the word in the specific context.

I love the way the clouds and the granite play
their own little games.

So Matobo is my anchor. Its my symbolic link not only to the physical place where I live, but also to the space in my mind within which I live and where I am happy. When I am near it, as when I sit in my office and I can look out over the hills, I am content and know that I will not run onto some emotional rocky shore… Matobo is a good place to use as an internal anchor. He is a sound being, generous as I have described before (Geo- Anthropomorphism), strong and sensible, a creature able to guide the inner being onto reliable roads culminating into incredible journeys. Its a good place to be, anchored in such wisdom and magnificence.

Massive!

The other side of it however bothers me from time to time. Will this place ever let go of me? See, the functioning of an anchor is based largely on trust. We constantly drop anchors into deep and dark waters. Upon mooring your ship in an unknown place, the captain has none or very little knowledge of the structure or make-up of the ocean floor! You drop the anchor and you may struggle to find a good stronghold, so you keep testing it until you are sure and secure. At times the sea may refuse to release your anchor. It may get stuck and sailors may be unable to weigh the anchor. So you need to trust that the anchor will do its job, but also need to trust that it will be released when required.  There is a part of me that fears this, that Matobo may not release its hold on me again. That it will involuntarily keep me tethered to this place in my mind. I may not be able to rid myself from his influence. Matobo may be my eternal anchorage. But for now, I trust. I am here and I am anchored in good faith.

While its nice to meander along, there are great rewards
when climbing a large dwala... the scenes are magnificent!

A "dwala" or massive monolith in the shape of an amphitheater.

The scale at which things happened here defies logic.

Matobo harbored many people, these bushman or San paintings illustrate
their incredible artistic flair and intimate knowledge of the area.

These are my favorites, gentle graceful giraffe. I can imagine this artist
observing his subjects from the same ghommos/hills
where I now photograph from.

Many a photographic text suggests to keep things simple,
well in Matopos its almost impossible!

Petrified guards still watch over the vast expanse of this wonderland.

As I have indicated before - I am fascinated and often surprised
to see where some of these tree established themselves.

You just have to love these little guys, extravagant and determined -
taking full advantage of the options evolution granted them!