Thread by @DamnResearch

1/ Tadrart Akakus is a mountain range in Libya, known for its prehistoric art. The images were created btw 12,000 BCE & 100 CE. They reveal the shifting ecology of the region & its inhabitants changing lifestyles. The earliest art depicts giant animals, like elephants. (Thread)

2/ Hippos have also been immortalised. Art from this period (12,000 BCE - 6,000 BCE) is known as the Large Wild Fauna or 'Bubalus' Period.

(All petroglyphs photographed by Lucas Galuzzi unless otherwise stated)

3/ This piece is called: "The Fighting Cats". But are they? Some think this is a mythical creature! However, I'm not convinced.

4/ There are also depictions of crocodiles! These images reveal that the, now arid, region was once much more lush, wet, & green than it is today.

(Credit: David Coulson)

5/ Couple more of these stunning petroglyphs from the Large Wild Fauna/Bubalus Period before I move on. First up, this epic rhino!

(Credit: Franca Arzon)

6/ Followed by a humble ostrich...

(Credit: Libyan Soup)

7/ The next stage of Saharan rock art, at the Tadrart Akakus range, is known as the Round Head Period. This style is known for its, somewhat spooky, human figures with round, faceless, heads. This period & the Bubalus Period overlap. Both being present from 8000 - 6000 BCE.

8/ Some have interpreted art from the Round Head Period as a reflection of a Shamanistic culture. Dunno what I think about that myself though...thoughts?

Credits:

Tweet 7: aars.fr/acacus_en.html…
Tweet 8: takassitvoyages.com/ita/letture.htm

Up until about 6000 BCE, most people were living a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. After this point pastoralism becomes the new norm. This is reflected in the artwork. With the first depictions of domestic cattle & more images of humans conducting ceremonies.

(Credit: Luca Galuzzi)

10/ Art from this era is known as the Pastoral Period (whoever came up with the names was very creative). Large animals still pop up here and there. Such as this very charming giraffe...

(Credit: aars.fr/acacus_en.html…)

11/ Towards the end of the Pastoral Period (3000 BCE onwards), the climate had become much drier. This made long-distance travel more of a concern. Again, changing lives are reflected in the art. With horses & even chariots making an appearance.

12/ Unsurprisingly, this style is known as the Horse Period! Even though pastoralism had taken hold & horses had been tamed. Hunting was still clearly an important part of people's lives. This panel depicts the use of dogs to hunt Barbary sheep:

Credit: aars.fr/acacus_en.html…

13/ The final stage of Saharan rock art, known as the Camel Period, starts around the year 1 CE, and, you guessed it, is known for its stylistic camels! An important beast of burden that could cope with the more arid landscape much better than a horse.

Credit: Libyan Soup

14/ And that concludes my thread on the rock art of Tadrart Akakus in the Libyan Sahara! I leave you with another giraffe, this time from the Camel Period.

(Credit: Roberto D'Angelo)