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A plateau in the central Sahara. The area characterized by high cliffs, some of which are even decorated at the base. This creative artwork is amongst the most significant in the world. Providing a rich and detailed glimpse into early human life. Over thousands and thousands of years. A true testament to early humans creativity, and adaptation.

It is on the border of Libya, Niger and Mali. It covers a massive area
More than 72,000 km2, or (28,000 sq mi).

The rock art features a variety of animals. While also indicates there greener and wetter past environment
There are cattle; elephants; giraffes; antelopes; rhino; and, other species. Many of which no longer inhabit this region.

People are depicted too
Showing hunting, dancing, herding, and performing rituals. Some are even wearing elaborate clothing and adornments.

The engraving and painting techniques. Had a couple styles
Human and animals can be highly detailed and realistic. Or, abstract. They are often with exaggerated features. Like horns, eyes, fur; the meaty portions, and more.

The areas extensive time frame, allows researchers to trace changes. Things like climate, fauna, and human activity. Relate to artistic styles
Presence of elephants, giraffes and similar hunting and animal art. Proves the region was once more moist and verdant. Contrasting sharply with today.

Did you know? The tassili mushroom figure
Popular art here contains features resembling mushrooms. They are considered by some researchers to be figures that have shamanic connotations. One of the strongest pieces of evidence for early ethnomycological data.

The Tassili n’Ajjer region in Africa, has some of the best prehistoric rock paintings and engravings. It shows early testament to human creativity, and adaptation. They provide invaluable insights, to not only the environments history. But also the cultural practices of people in the Sahara. Preservation of this art will always be important, for understanding the deep history and roots of humans in our civilizations.

Bibliography: Jean-Loïc Le Quellec, Art rupestre et préhistoire du Sahara : le Messak libyen, Paris, Payot & Rivages, 1998, 616 p., 16 pl.

Lhote, Henri (1976). The rock engravings of Oued Djerat (Tassili-n-Ajjer). Algiers

Alfred Muzzolini (2001). “Les relations entre l’Égypte et le Sahara aux temps néolithiques”. In Josep Cervello Autuori; et al. (eds.). Africa antiqua. El antiguo Egypto, una civilización africana (in French). Barcelone. pp. 205–218.

wikipedia commons art link: Search results for “oued djerat” – Wikimedia Commons. (n.d.). https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=50&offset=0&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns9=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1&search=oued+djerat