A Chiefs story

"Fertility"

The Blyde river canyon, an oasis in the arid landscape of South Africa. The canyon is home to Hippo and Crocodiles amongst other wildlife.

The hills were named after a legendary Bapedi chief and his 3 wives. The flat topped hill was named Mapjaneng ('the chief') and the 3 wives from left to right, Magabolie, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

This scene was once the setting of a great battle between the Swazi raiders from the south and the local Bapedi tribesman who had been drivin into hiding in what is known today as the Echo Caves. Deep in the caverns of the cave is where the Bapedi tribesman first defeated the Swazi raiders using the stalictites as early warning systems, when struck they would echo through the cave allowing the soldiers time to prepare for battle in the dark caves which was their refuge.

Having claimed victory in the caves the brave Chief Maripi Mashile lead his men out for one final blow to the Swazi. He devised a cunning plan and lead his men straight towards the remaining raiders. He made sure they moved in full view and made as much noise as they could. They would draw the Swazi raiders up towards the peak of the flat topped hill and when they arrived there first, they were ready with boulders to be hauled onto the oncoming raiders. The Swazis were heavily defeated and the so the mountain to the right of the wives was names Maripi in his honour.