Saharan rock art

Saharan rock art is a significant area of archaeological study focusing on artwork carved or painted on the natural rocks of the central Sahara desert.

The rock art dates from numerous periods starting c. 12,000 years ago, and is significant because it shows the culture of ancient African societies.

The paintings and carvings of the Sahara are endangered, and vulnerable rock art on uncovered rock has already disappeared.

Important regions and sites include: Archaeologists, anthropologists, and other researchers have been studying rock art to gain information about African cultures from the past.

Organic artifacts found at the sites can be dated, as can some residues on the rock art itself.

Manda Guéli Cave in the Ennedi Mountains, northeastern Chad
Neolithic cave paintings found in Tassili n'Ajjer (Plateau of the Chasms) region of the Sahara
Crying Cows is low-relief rock art found in Tassil n’Ajjer. It depicts teardrops rolling down the faces of horned cattle.
Crying Cows low-relief rock art found in Tassili n'Ajjer , Algeria . It depicts teardrops rolling down the faces of horned cattle.
Rock art from the Bubalus time period in Tin Taghirt