Photo Gallery

Niger - Two rhinos clash - Stonecutting at the confluence Enneri Blaka / Enneri Domo

Niger - On the western edge of the Aïr - engravings at the site Tanakom

Niger - Tadrart - Site In-Djaren - Rock isolated with 8 carved elephants

Niger - Aïr – Site Tagueït-up - Fresco of carved giraffes

Niger - Djado - Enneri Blaka, Site 5 - Engraving of a rhinoceros, period of hartebeest

Dabous (Aïr occidentale) – Fresco with animals: giraffes, ibexes (?) Etc. The giraffe measures 1.15 m from nose to tail.

Algeria - Terrarart (Tassili-n’Ajjer) – Engraving of four cattle, very deeply worked, partly polished. In the center "The Weeping Cow".

Tendarine (Niger-Aïr) – Engraving of giraffes and antelopes

Rock-art site of Tanakom - At the edge of the Aïr mountains, the petroglyphs converge at the mouth of the wadis (valleys), where the savannah life prevailed the longest after the onset of desertification. They testify to the fact that giraffes and lions cavorted here with the animals of Neolithic cattle herders. - Niger / Between Aïr and Ténéré / 1992

Rock site of Tagueït - Was the Neolithic woman interested in fashion? At least that is what this image, set in stone by man long ago, seems to show. Height of the figure: 1.10 meters from the top of the hair to the base of the feet. - Niger / Eastern Aïr / Tagueït Site / 1992

Mysterious figure - With a trapezoidal body, a shield, a crown and magic symbols, this man carved in the rock is 92 cm tall. Like the small characters escorting him, this figure still retains its mystery (McKee Springs, Dinosaur National Park, Utah, USA). - 1972

These two giraffes, etched into a rock ledge, are 6.50 m tall and were engraved around 8000 b.C. (Dabous site, Western Aïr Mountains, Niger).

When the Sahara was still green, it was inhabited by numerous representatives of the African fauna, many of which can still be found in the more fertile areas today. As proof, this 2.65 meter-long engraving of an elephant is to be seen in one of the most beautiful and significant rock-art sites from the so-called Bubaline period (Wadi Mathendous, Fezzan, Libya).

Instead of being engraved on the walls of caves, as usual, this impressive rock engraving of a sleeping gazelle was carved into a rock ledge under open sky at the Tin-Terhert site (Tassili n'Ajjer, Algeria). Nowadays, this site, which was inventoried by Henri Lhote in the 1950’s, can only be reached on foot with the help of a guide.

These enigmatic threefold spirals in the Wadi Djerat were etched in rock with a simple stone wedge next to the imposing engraving of a rhinoceros on the northern Tassili Plateau, Algeria.

Kokopelli, the humpbacked flute player of Galisteo (New Mexico, USA), belongs to the pantheon of the Pueblo Indians (pre-Columbian era). He strangely reminds one of other characters represented in other corners of the world, like in ancient Greece. But why is he humpbacked? The question remains unanswered.

USA - Landscape and Engraving - Saguaro National Park in Arizona

Hunter or warrior? This engraving, still unknown to the public, dates back to 3000 b.C. - Abri Ilem / Tamgak / Aïr / Niger

Rock engravings at Tanakom: Giraffes and cattle at a time when the Sahara was still green.

Tagueït prehistoric site: Was this Neolithic woman interested in fashion?

Herds of giraffes engraved on the rocks at Tagueït. - Aïr / Niger

Incising: Kokopelli, the flute player, with the sun symbol. This figure is often found among the petro glyphs of the Southwest. Length: 14 inches. Galisteo (New Mexico).

Newspaper Rock: Combination of animals, hand and footprints, as well as figures representing people, shields, spirals and sun symbols. The pictographs span several centuries and are therefore difficult to date. The wall is 16 feet high. The large "wheel" represents a decorated shield; the largest figure in the upper right hand corner is 14 inches tall. Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, Indian Creek State Park (Utah).

Pictograph of a human figure. A familiar and at the same time mysterious figure with a feather headdress, hands raised in an expression of peace and agreement. It is reminiscent of similar figures found among the petroglyphs of other cultures in Val Camonica (Italy), Siberia, the Sahara and Australia. Height: 8.8 inches. Chaco Canyon (New Mexico).

The environment of the past and present. - Petroglyphs, of a reptile surrounded by mysterious signs, hand and foot prints, from Newspaper Rock, Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)

The environment of the past and present. - Petroglyphs: Snake (Utah).

Pictograph showing a big-horned sheep pierced by three arrows. The body is divided by geometric and decorative lines, which undoubtedly have symbolic meaning. Roughly picked, the implied shapes are easily recognizable (curved horns, hooves), an effect achieved by means of finer incising. Length: 28 inches. Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, north of Alamogordo (New Mexico). There are around 5,000 petroglyphs in this historic area: animals, representations of humans, geometric and abstract shapes.

Woman wearing feathers, engraving of the horse period (Tagueït / Aïr / Niger)

Antique engraved version of "the origin of the world" (Oued Djerat / Tassili-n-Ajjer / Algeria)

Petroglyph with "stairway to heaven" or cloud pattern, both motifs commonly found in the Southwest. Using these pathways, a deceased Indian achieved heaven one step at a time. Height: 32.8 inches. Three Rivers Petroglyph Site (New Mexico).

Engraving of a deer and a thread-like human wearing feathers on his head. The body of the animal was created by chipping out tiny pieces of rock, a technique that makes it appear polished. Fremont River Gorge, Capital Reef National Park (Utah)

Drawing based on photograph. Hunting scene with men, animals and symbols (hand, bear paw, snake and corn cobs), picked engraving in Canyon De Chelly National Monument (Arizona).

Drawing based on photograph. Group of people, with trapezoid bodies and clearly recognizable feathers on their heads, and deer. The compositions are about 7 feet long. Fremont River Gorge, Capital Reef National Park (Utah).

Large figures with shields decorated with animal symbols (bear paws). The surfaces and lines are fairly evenly picked. The style is a blend of realism, naturalistic stylization and schematization. Height of one figure: 46 inches. Galisteo (New Mexico).

Rock engraving: human figures with feathers on their heads and decorated bodies, flanked by two stylized birds. The figure of Kokopelli, the hunchback flute player of the Southwest, can be seen to the right. The lower figure is 20 inches high and the upper one measures 24 inches. Galisteo (New Mexico).

Engraved and painted pictograph titled The Three Kings. The figures survey us with their dignified glance from a height of 100 feet. They were first picked and then emphasized with color; remnants of the original pigment (hematite) have survived. The schematic figure to the right is done in relief. Spirals and sun symbols are numerous. The figures are wearing feathers on their heads, necklaces around their necks and belts around their waists; the dots and lines on the torsos may represent tattoos or body paint. The highly ceremonial character of the entire composition is obvious. Dry Fork Canyon near Vernal (Utah).

A cat-like beast of prey (a mountain lion?) engraved on a sandstone block. The animal is stylized; the vertical, stiff legs are juxtaposed with the curved line of the torso, which is repeated in the tail. The artist intended a certain realism: He emphasized the curved claws and gave the animal two large eyes and a wide open mouth. Length: 30 inches. Rainbow Forest Museum, Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona).

Petroglyphs, a magical scene with stylized figures. The largest has a body in the shape of a trapezoid. The lines are pecked; straight and curved lines harmonize with each other. The artist sought to balance the smooth surfaces with those that are pecked out. The representation is clear. Earrings, necklaces and feathers are the prevailing ornamentation; there is a magnificently decorated shield (12.8 inches diameter), which is carried by two people. McKee Springs, Dinosaur ational Monument (Utah).

Petroglyphs, very geometrically shaped figures with trapezoidal bodies, a decorated shield, feather headdresses and necklaces. Several lines were made by fine and consistent pecking, others were incised with the edge of a stone ax. Dry Fork Canyon, Uintah Basin Area (Utah).

Petroglyphs, very geometrically shaped figures with trapezoidal bodies, a decorated shield, feather headdresses and necklaces. Several lines were made by fine and consistent pecking, others were incised with the edge of a stone ax. Dry Fork Canyon, Uintah Basin Area (Utah).

Petroglyphs, very geometrically shaped figures with trapezoidal bodies, a decorated shield, feather headdresses and necklaces. Several lines were made by fine and consistent pecking, others were incised with the edge of a stone ax. The height of the human figure at the bottom right is 40 inches. Dry Fork Canyon, Uintah Basin Area (Utah).

A variety of signs and symbols-spirals, a snake, the sun, corn stalks, a labyrinth, very schematic human figures etc.-are clearly visible against the black and brown patina of the sandstone. Inscription Point, near Wupatki National Monument (Arizona).

Geometric designs are called labyrinths, a common motif found on Southwest pottery and baskets, but also in other parts of the world, such as Crete or the Italian Val Camonica. Length: approximately 48 inches. Magnetic Masa, Wupatki National Monument (Arizona).

Fremont petroglyph, a schematic person with a spiraled chest. Fremont River Gorge, Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Positive and negative handprints on friezes or in masterly compositions. The hand is a universally familiar symbol, found in all cultures at all times. - Length of one of the large hands: 8 inches. Galisteo (New Mexico).

Bitriangular person of the Garamantic era. Picketing engraving. (Enneri Blaka - Site 11 - Niger)

Innumerable petroglyphs have been found on the Northwest Coast. Only in the rarest of cases is it possible to determine their age. Two killer whales are recognizable in the photograph, and the figure to the right probably represents a pregnant gray whale. These petroglyphs were found near the deserted Makah village of Ozette.

In Petroglyph Park in Nanaimo, located on Vancouver Island, the figures shown in the lower photograph are particularly interesting. The largest of them may represent Wasco, a creature which is part wolf and part killer whale.

Petroglyph from Cape Mudge, located on Quadra Island. That the face represents a sacrificed slave is one of several theories about this and similar representations. This rock is now situated in front of the Kwakiutl Museum, Quathiaski Cove, B.C.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
La religion Chavin est marquée par un culte rendu en l'honneur du condor. Sa représentation, très schématisée, figure sur des dalles qui ornent le temple de la station éponyme de la Cordillère.

The legends are only available in German or Spanish
Felsmalereien von Taira am Río Loa in der Atacamawüste, Nordchile. Diese gepunzten und bemalten Darstellungen von Lamas werden jungsteinzeitlichen Atacameños zugeschrieben. - 1976

This engraving of a bird is located near Estelí, a town in the north of Nicaragua. It is located 148 km north of Managua on the Panamericana in the central highlands at an altitude of about 840 m and surrounded by mountains up to 1600 m. In pre-Columbian times, the area was settled by the Chorotegas, who called the area Estelí (i.e. blood river). - 1977

The flat stone slabs of Tiratimine (Hoggar) at the site known as the "slave market" are still covered with banal Tifinagh inscriptions (e.g. "Salah loves Mabruka"), but mainly with sandal prints of a votive nature. Each imprint measures 25 to 30 centimetres. There we have an example of modern (and quite decadent!) survival of rock art. - Moudyr - Algeria - 1966

Moghar and Taghtani (Algeria). - The famous slabs, which have been known since 1847 and were first published in 1849, are situated in front of a landscape that already hints at a desert. It has been said that the real difference between the north and the south is the palm tree: it gives dates in the north, hard nuts in the south. You can see the engravings on the slabs opposite the meagre gardens of the oasis. The deep and mysterious engraving at the bottom right is of Neolithic age. Perhaps it shows a man? But nothing is certain. This engraving is a first indication of an affirmed spirituality: it encloses an idea in a symbol whose meaning escapes us. Height: 0.97 m. - Algeria - 1971

The Wadi Mathendous has carved its bed into the rugged landscape of the Messak noir, in the Fezzan in southern Libya. Following the dead course of the former river, now blocked by boulders, one reaches the famous site of the elephant of In Galjeïen: It is located on the rock that closes off the farthest part of the horizon. - Libya - 1969

Wadi Mathendous. Habeter II - Bubalinic Era. This bovine with monumental horns was contemporary with the Neolithic and disappeared with it. This specimen is equipped with two tails. The scale of the pictured Bubalus is derived from the distance between the tips of its horns: 72 centimetres. Note the small, older (?) ostrich between the horns. - Libya - 1969

Two line-engraved rhinoceroses. From right horn to left tail: 0.84 m. - Site 1 in the "Submarine" rock shelter. - Enneri Blaka - Niger - 1968

View from the site 4th - Giraffes in a stiff, decadent style were carved into the rock. The largest giraffe measures 1.05 m in height. - Enneri Blaka - Niger - 1967

View from the site 4th - Giraffes in a stiff, decadent style were carved into the rock. The largest giraffe measures 1.05 m in height. - Enneri Blaka - Niger - 1968

South of Djanet, on the edge of the Erg Admer, an isolated rock juts out of the Wadi Edjiriou. On it one finds four very deeply engraved oxen. The place is called Terrarart. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Ouan Zouaten (Tadrart, In-Djaren region). - Representation of engraved cattle. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Ouan Zouaten (Tadrart, In-Djaren region). - Depiction of engraved cattle. Width of the group depicted : 2.50 m. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

On a large pyramid rock is an engraved fresco showing eight elephants. Cattle Epoch. Flat engraving created by chipping with remarkable accuracy. The last elephant is in the process of defecating. Below is a frieze of figures also engraved, but at a later date. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djaren - 1993

On another side of the same pyramid rock is engraved a group of giraffes. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djars - 1993

Three men with shaved heads and beards. Two are looking to the left, the third to the right. The middle and right figures are depicted with erect penises. One of them holds a spear, all have a European profile. From head to toe, the right figure is 0.70 m tall. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djaren - 1993

Two engraved giraffes of good quality. The tails are curled. The body is completely engraved. The front legs are in the position of the giraffe drinking. From the horns to the front hoof of the left animal: 0.95 m. Algeria - Tadrart - Guelta Bou Ediane - 1993

Amazing frieze depicting high quality engraved cows in the best naturalistic style. The pinned contours form circles that reproduce the animals' fur. Between the legs of the cow in the centre is a very small figure. Algeria - Tadrart - Tan-Ekli - 1993

On the left is a man carrying a pot. In front of him, three giraffes are walking in the same direction as him. The giraffes and the man begin to sand up. From the horn of the giraffe on the right to the sand level: about 1.70 m. Algeria - Tadrart - Tin Abedine - 1993

Rock slab with engravings and a probable mill hole. Algeria - Tadrart - In Djaren - 1993

Overview of the shelter with an engraved elephant in the next picture. Algeria - Tadrart - In Djaren - 1993

Engraving of an elephant in In Djaren. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

This fresco of giraffes, remarkable for the stencilling and line engraving it required, does not date from the same period as the two figures, including an archer, preceding the herd, which appear to be much more recent. The main animals are between 0.60 m and 0.80 m tall. The rock itself is 2.40 m long. - Tagueït – Aïr – Niger - 2002

Rock engraving, found on the left side of the Wadi Tagueït. - Niger - 2001

Site of the rock engraving on the edge of the Ténéré desert - The man of Tagueït - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The Man of Tagueït - Rock engraving on the edge of the Ténéré desert - Aïr - Niger - 2000

These giraffes can be found in the lower part of the Oued Tagueït. Do they come from the pastoral period? - Aïr - Niger - 2002

In the lower part of the Oued Tagueït - end of the pastoral period. Five highly stylised giraffes. From the head to the base of the legs of the largest giraffe: 0.95 metres. - Aïr - Niger - 2002

In the lower part of the Oued Tagueït - Punched giraffe and ostriches on boulders. Height of the stone: 0.50 m. - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Punched giraffe and cattle on a boulder between Arakao and the grotto at the big dune - Aïr - Niger - 2002

There are many rock engraving sites in the Oued Arakao. - Aïr - Niger - 1999

At the time of the horse (around 1000 BC), the aborigines liked to represent themselves in such a way that one could draw up an inventory of their various representations, which were often accompanied by one or more horses. - Well of Tezirzek- Niger - Aïr - 1992

Rock engraving from the horse epoch. Two figures (the one on the left is 0.70 metres high) are holding a creature together on a rope, which is indistinguishable but resembles a child! - Well of Tezirzek- Niger - Aïr - 1992

On the edge of the Tamgak Mountains you can find rock engravings like this stylised woman - Aïr - Niger - 2001

2 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Spirals with the same direction of winding. This type of engraving is common and generally seen as a symbol of fertility. Radius of the large spiral: 0.36 m. Radius of the small sphere: 0.085 m.

2 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – (original photo) Spirals with the same direction of winding. This type of engraving is common and generally seen as a symbol of fertility. Radius of the large spiral: 0.36 m. Radius of the small sphere: 0.085 m.

7 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Triple spiral. In contrast to the spiral in photo 2, the elegance of this engraving stands out. The two figures at the bottom result from two lines that start at their center and move in opposite directions. The work was done on a horizontal slab.

8 - Tassirés. Oued Tilemsane (Aïr). – Horse epoch. Animals with very schematic lines. The bovine is well rendered, however. There are likely more recent inscriptions in Tifinar. The ox is 0.90 m long.

9 - Tassirés. Oued Tilemsane (Aïr). – Horse epoch. Numerous horses, graffiti, Tifinars, and a large figure, possibly a woman. As is often the case, the eyes are not carved but are formed by using natural cavities. The height of the woman is 1.60 m. Also noteworthy is the contrast between the quality of the engraving of the horses and the notable clumsiness of the ostriches.

10 - Tassirés. Oued Tilemsane (Aïr). – Horse epoch. The central figure has a "ant-head" typical of this period when warriors dominated more than hunters. Note the costume and the appendages on the head, which may not be feathers. The height of the figure from the top of the antennae to the feet: 1.50 m.

11 - Tassirés. Oued Tilemsane (Aïr). – Horse epoch. This large figure also wears a robe, whose engraving highlights a sort of crenellation. Noteworthy are the two small hemispherical protrusions at the bottom, on the right and left. From feet to head: 1.60 m.

12 - Heraoui (Aïr). – Horse epoch. The riders on three well-identifiable horses are depicted as "body-men." The horse on the left measures 0.35 m from the croup to the muzzle.

13 - Heraoui (Aïr). – Horse epoch. Here, the riders appear as if standing on their horses, which is a mistake by the engraver. Additionally, the two men are pushing wild antelopes in front of them, such as oryx, addax, etc. Width of the rock support: 1.60 m.

14 - Oued Tagalalat (Aïr). – Horse epoch. Emaciated cow (?). Note the vertical line in the center of the abdomen, as well as the jugular appendage and the precise depiction of the animal. From the tip of the horn to the end of the legs: 0.30 m.

14 - Oued Tagalalat (Aïr). – (original photo) Horse epoch. Emaciated cow (?). Note the vertical line in the center of the abdomen, as well as the jugular appendage and the precise depiction of the animal. From the tip of the horn to the end of the legs: 0.30 m.

15 - Oued Tagalalat (Aïr). - Despite the weakness of the engraving style, this is indeed a document from the Horse Period. The warriors, shaped like a diabolo, are equipped with spears and shields. On the right, note the exceptional beast. A hoofed animal resembling a lion (?). The head, achieved by peripheral punching, shows the two eyes in a "flat" position (diocular technique). Length of the lion: 0.30 m.

16 - Agalala (Aïr). - Various periods, particularly Camel Period. This type of document is typical of the edges of paths that have been used for a long time. Height of the rock: 2 m.

17 - Agalala (Aïr). - Horse Period. Male cattle. Note the jugular appendages and the extended punching meant to represent the coat's colors. Height of the central figure, from hoof level to the middle of the back: 0.45 m.

19 - Oued Tafidet (Aïr). - Giraffes from the so-called Pastoral Period. Compare with other schematic giraffes from the Horse Period found at Tagueït bas. Height of the left giraffe: 1 m.

20 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Wall overloaded with graffiti. While the figures from the Horse Period are identifiable, the rest makes little sense. Note an axe at the top, in the center.

21 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Pastoral Period? It is difficult to associate these giraffes with those from Oued Tafidet: their attribution to one style or another is difficult.

22 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Pastoral Period. An elephant, with noticeable feet and a vertical line across the middle of its belly. Another antelopine. A schematic ostrich made with a single line. Height of the elephant: 0.40 m.

23 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Horse Period. A figure without a weapon, carrying an indeterminate round object on the left arm. Decoration on the central part of the body. From the top of the feathers to the base of the feet: 1.10 m.

24 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - End of the Pastoral Period. Five highly stylized giraffes. From the head to the base of the legs of the largest giraffe: 0.95 m.

25 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Pastoral period. In the Sahel, near domesticated cattle, giraffes are not rare. Their abundance should therefore not be surprising. Remember the crumbly nature of the rocks in the Air mountains. Height of the large giraffe: 0.65 m.

26 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - The stippling aims to render the coat of an antelopine to the edge of schematism. From the horns to the legs: 0.40 m.

27 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Note the difference in style between the first three giraffes on the right and the two preceding them, and finally the one on the extreme left. The supporting block is 2.20 m wide. The rock is located at the top of a rockslide.

28 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Stippled giraffe and ostriches on a rockslide. Height of the rock: 0.50 m.

29 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Very schematic stippled engravings. The central figure does not clearly evoke equids. To its right, a figure with a bi-triangular garment and a head in an inverted U-shape. The central figure is 0.70 m tall.

30 - Tagueït bas (Aïr). - Figures with "ant head" (equids) set against a background of animals (domesticated?). Note the spears and round shields. The animals measure between 0.30 and 0.40 m in height.

31 - Tagueït moyen (Aïr). - Figures from the horse era. One might wonder what the multiple forms of the heads, oversized in relation to the body, correspond to. Then, note the individuals with a bi-triangular coat, those with a straight coat, and those whose legs are visible up to the thighs. The tallest measures 0.50 m.

32 - Tagueït moyen (Aïr). - Four very schematic and very recent ostriches. The tallest is 0.37 m high.

33 - Tagueït moyen (Aïr). - Current or sub-current giraffe. Note the right-angled tail, the straight spine, and the gender still emphasized. Height: 0.32 m.

34 - Tagueït moyen (Aïr). - Two male elephants in the same very decadent style as the previous giraffes and ostriches. They appear to be from the pre-Islamic period but should be dated to the end of the pastoral period.

35 - Tagueït haut (Aïr). - Giraffes, bovids, rhinoceroses, and ostriches intertwine and overlap in this fresco, where wild species seem to dominate.

36 - Tagueït medium (Aïr). – Note the difference in patina between the two giraffes on the left, which are themselves overlain by a newer giraffe with an appendage around the neck. The hind legs are too long, like those of the two giraffes on the right. Note the isolated rhinoceros at the top, as well as the chariot, which highlights the historical character of the work engraved in "flat". The chariot's platform is not visible; finally, a lion (?) catches the attention. Chariot length: 0.52 m.

37 - Tagueït high (Aïr). – Enlargement of the belly pattern of the central giraffe in the next image. Note the combined use of punctuating and line drawing. Width of the detail: 0.35 m.

38 - Tagueït high (Aïr). – This giraffe fresco, remarkable for the work of punctuating and line engraving it required, does not date from the same period as the two figures, one of which is an archer leading the herd, and which seem much later. The main animals measure between 0.60 m and 0.80 m. The rock itself is 2.40 m long.

Maximilien Bruggmann photographing the giraffe fresco in Tagueït.

39 - Tagueït high (Aïr). – Archer of the horse period and a young horse. Clumsy punctuating. The bow measures 0.50 m in length.

40 - Tagueït high (Aïr). – Punctuated elephant, very decadent. From the top of the skull to the hind leg: 0.27 m.

41 - Tagueït high (Aïr). – Small, very natural horse with an appendage hanging at the neck. The inside is fully punctuated. Although it is probably a mere coincidence, the horse is in the posture of an animal rising up. Height: 0.27 m.

42 - Tagueït high (Aïr). – Fresco depicting giraffes, an elephant, ostriches, and an ox. The important site of Tagueït does not offer any truly ancient engravings. The wildlife is still significant, but the arrival of foreign ethnic groups often makes it difficult to attribute them to a specific culture.

43 - Tanakom (Aïr). – Typical labyrinth showing the advanced peeling state of the rock in Aïr. The overhanging rock to the right, covering the slanted line in the foreground, is covered with beautiful engravings.

44 - Tanakom (Aïr). – Herd of bovines led by a shepherd. On the side, one animal is ridden, another followed by a shepherd. Work from the late pastoral period. The slab is 2.15 m long.

45 - Tanakom (Aïr). - From the same period: giraffes, ostrich, shepherd touching a bovine. The engravers were interested in all smooth surfaces.

46 - Tanakom (Aïr). - Still giraffes. Their number can be explained either by the engravers' interest or by their diversity. These are very well observed. Slab height: 0.45 m.

47 - Tanakom (Aïr). - Pastoral period. Various quadrupeds. The interest lies in the two figures in the center. The one on the left would fit well in a modern art museum and does not allow for any satisfactory explanation. The one on the right may be holding a bow.

48 - Tanakom (Aïr). - Decadent giraffes. The largest measures 0.85 m in height.

49 - Tanakom (Aïr). - Character with an "ant head" in a praying position. Small intentional character between the two larger ones. Equid period. Religious scene. The appendage between the legs may be the tail of the animal preserved on a leather tunic.

50 - Tanakom (Aïr). - Giraffes, graffiti. Width of the decorated surface: 1.20 m.

51 - Tanakom (Aïr). - Spotted elephant, strange schematic animals. Note the three stylized figures. Height of the elephant: 0.45 m.

52 - Anakom (Aïr). - Equid period. Very interesting human figures belonging to the same ensemble. The volume is exaggerated for the two large figures, holding a spear and the reins of a horse in the left hand, while holding an undefined object in the right hand. At neck height, perhaps ear pendants. The small figures seem to wear puffed trousers. The hair is well visible on the side, with the faces emphasized. The head is topped with a curious ornament. The costume is highly elaborate. A camel adds a counterpoint to the age of the ensemble. There are also Tifinars, a giraffe, ostriches. The large figure on the left is 1.60 m tall. The small figure on the right: 0.78 m.

53 - Anakom (Aïr). - Equid period. Very interesting human figures belonging to the same ensemble. The volume is exaggerated for the two large figures, holding a spear and the reins of a horse in the left hand, while holding an undefined object in the right hand. At neck height, perhaps ear pendants. The small figures seem to wear puffed trousers. The hair is well visible on the side, with the faces emphasized. The head is topped with a curious ornament. The costume is highly elaborate. A camel adds a counterpoint to the age of the ensemble. There are also Tifinars, a giraffe, ostriches. The large figure on the left is 1.60 m tall. The small figure on the right: 0.78 m.

An overview of the two previous photos.

54 - Large fresco from Anakom (Aïr). - A well-observed rider, oryx, antelopes, ostriches, Tifinars show the continuity of mankind since the arrival of the "equids". The animal with a diamond-shaped coat is 0.47 m long. The large antelope on the right is 0.52 m long.

55 - Anakom (Aïr). - The galloping oryx stand out from many graffiti. The small horse, near a man armed with a spear and shield, is also engraved by someone familiar with the equid world. At the bottom right, a man with a U-shaped head. Although of the same type as the previous one, the character on the left (0.75 m tall) has a "sun-shaped" head.

56 - Anakom (Aïr). - Figures whose main interest is to present a dress for women, a trouser suit (?) for men, all richly decorated. These equid-like figures are approximately 0.75 meters tall.

57 - Anakom (Aïr). - Figures whose main interest is to present a dress for women, a trouser suit (?) for men, all richly decorated. These equid-like figures are approximately 0.75 meters tall.

58 - Anakom (Aïr). - Figures whose main interest is to present a dress for women, a trouser suit (?) for men, all richly decorated. These equid-like figures are approximately 0.75 meters tall.

59 - Anakom (Aïr). - Figures whose main interest is to present a dress for women, a trouser suit (?) for men, all richly decorated. These equid-like figures are approximately 0.75 meters tall.

60 - Arakao (Aïr). - Interesting archer appearing to wear some kind of saroual. The fingers of the hand are clearly highlighted.

61 - Arakao (Aïr). - Equid period: gazelles, monkey (?) To the left of the second row of gazelles, horse, ostrich, giraffes, figures from the equid period. The support block measures 2.40 meters in height.

62 - Arakao (Aïr). - A large giraffe (from the tip of the tail to the snout: 0.61 m). The punctuated pattern, which usually indicates the color of the garment, is replaced by lines.

63 - Arakao (Aïr). - A cow (note the udders) in the same style. From the base of the tail to the tips of the horns: 0.94 meters in length.

64 - Arakao (Aïr). - Many Tifinar characters are added to the figures of the equid period. The exact date of Tifinar writing is unknown, but its structure appears to be very ancient. Height of the two figures: 1 meter.

65 - Tezirzek (Aïr). - Horse Period. Two figures (the one on the left is 0.70 m tall) hold together, at the end of a rope, an indistinguishable being that seems to resemble a child!

66 - Tezirzek (Aïr). - The horse-like figures were so fond of representing themselves that one could create an inventory of their various portrayals, often, in fact, accompanied by one or more horses.

67 - Tezirzek (Aïr). - The horse-like figures were so fond of representing themselves that one could create an inventory of their various portrayals, often, in fact, accompanied by one or more horses.

68 - Surroundings of Iferouane (Aïr). - Two graceful antelopes (?) adorn a smooth rock surface, which is very rare. The style recalls Black Africa. Height of the animals: 0.60 m.

68 - Surroundings of Iferouane (Aïr). - (original photo) Two graceful antelopes (?) adorn a smooth rock surface, which is very rare. The style recalls Black Africa. Height of the animals: 0.60 m.

69 - Temet (Aïr). - Very decadent engravings depicting two equid-like figures with strongly emphasized eyes. Bovids (?). From the snout of the one on the right to the tail of the one following: 1.05 m.

70 - Dabous (Western Aïr). - Animal fresco: giraffe, goats (?) etc. Note the deep lines of the engraving, despite the "equine" appearance of the giraffe, which measures 1.15 meters from the nostrils to the tail.

71 - Dabous (Western Aïr). - Antelope engraved in wide and deep lines. From the top of the horns to the front legs: 0.55 meters.

72 - Dabous (Western Aïr). - Antelope-like (?) from the head to the hind hooves: 0.80 m.

73 - Dabous (Western Aïr). - Rare and very beautiful giraffe head. The snout, horns, and ears are polished. The mane is highlighted. This giraffe is reproduced in its entirety in photo 74. Note the rope hanging from the snout...

74 - Dabous (Western Aïr). - Remarkable pair of giraffes with great anatomical precision that can be attributed to the beautiful naturalist era. The left giraffe, from the hind hoof to the head: 5.80 m, and the right one, also with a rope hanging from the nostrils, 3.02 m from the head to the tail's end.

76 - Guelta Domo. Djado Region. - Engravings called camelines with Tifinagh, camels ridden or unmounted.

77 - Djado Region. - Two figures, probably Garamantes in leather clothing. The figure on the left holds a spear in the right hand and a shield (?) in the left hand. Height of the figures: 0.37 m.

78 - Djado Region. - Engraved elephant 3.50 m above the ground. Here, the classic style is evident, although there is asymmetry in the movement of the legs. From the tip of the front legs to the back leg: 2.22 m.

78 - Djado Region. - (original photo) Engraved elephant 3.50 m above the ground. Here, the classic style is evident, although there is asymmetry in the movement of the legs. From the tip of the front legs to the back leg: 2.22 m.

80 - Drigana. Djado Region. - (original photo) Rhinoceros overlapping an elephant. Old engraving. From the tail tip to the horn tip: 1.56 m.

81 - Drigana. Djado Region. - On a rock bordering a reg, once a prime area for elephant movement, this magnificent Neolithic fresco of 4 naturalistic elephants. The rock measures 4.25 m in width. In the same position, facing the Ténéré plateau, and 300 m from the first ones, three other elephants in the same style. Width of the supporting rock: 4.10 m. (82)

82 - Drigana. Djado Region. - On a rock bordering a reg, once a prime area for elephant movement, this magnificent Neolithic fresco of 4 naturalistic elephants. The rock measures 4.25 m in width (81). In the same position, facing the Ténéré plateau, and 300 m from the first ones, three other elephants in the same style. Width of the supporting rock: 4.10 m.

83 - Enneri Domo, Arkana site. - Bitriangular characters. These representations differ from those referred to as "ant-head" (84). The costume is tight at the waist, and its decorations are no longer visible. The head is reduced to a circle with a dotted interior, and its ornaments are limited to a few lines. Photo 83 - : The distance between the hands is 1.22 meters. Photo 84: The character on the left measures 0.54 meters in height, from the head ornaments to the feet.

84 - Enneri Domo, Arkana site. - Bitriangular characters. These representations differ from those referred to as "ant-head" (84 - ). The costume is tight at the waist, and its decorations are no longer visible. The head is reduced to a circle with a dotted interior, and its ornaments are limited to a few lines. Photo 83: The distance between the hands is 1.22 meters. Photo 84 - : The character on the left measures 0.54 meters in height, from the head ornaments to the feet.

85 - Enneri Domo, Arkana site. - Chariot period. Ox-drawn cart. The wheels have six spokes and are engraved in a "flattened" style. The "floor" plays an important role, and the yokes are very wide apart. Note the primitive stylization of the animals and the character. The cart from one outer edge of the wheel to the other: 0.58 meters.

86 - Enneri Domo, Arkana site. - Chariot period. Ostrich, oxen, giraffe; tifinars, sheep or goats. On the cart, whose wheels with four spokes are depicted in a "flattened" manner, the central yoke ends in a small crossbar. The floor is reduced to a flat triangle. The rock has a height of 1.77 meters.

87 - View of Enneri Blaka. - As we reached the edge of the cliffs with a view of Enneri, we had the impression that a command post of a submarine was emerging from the sand. The name has remained... and the illusion is striking (see the photo by Maximilien Bruggmann illustrating the beginning of the Djado chapter). The site itself was discovered in 1956 by the Méharist officers Lamothe and Moreau. In 1959, the Berliet-Ténéré mission added sites 2 and 3. The Bruggmann mission completed the inventory in 1967 with the discovery of site 4. Then, at the end of 1968, during the research of the Blaka mission, also led by Maximilien Bruggmann, other very interesting sites were found, which were assigned the numbers 5 to 11. On the west face of the "submarine," there is a remarkable giraffe engraving from the old layer (Neolithic or Bubaline), captured in motion. Height of this giraffe: 0.70 meters. Site 1.

88 - Enneri Blaka. Site 1. - Oryx engraved in line. Bubal period. From the nostrils to the base of the tail: 0.23 m.

89 - Enneri Blaka. Site 1. - Elephant engraved in line. Bubal period. From the trunk to the base of the tail: 0.53 m.

90 - Enneri Blaka. Site 1. - Two rhinoceroses engraved in line with a V-shaped cross-section. From the horn on the right to the tail on the left: 0.84 m.

94 - Enneri Blaka. Site 1. - Bubal period. Leaping Dorcas gazelles. Beautiful, deeply engraved drawing on a horizontal slab, to the north of the "Sous-marin". The animal in the center of the photo measures 0.26 m in length.

95 - Enneri Blaka. Site 1. - Rhinoceros from the so-called Bubal period. The document is overlaid with a more recent puncture. From the snout to the end of the tail: 0.36 m.

96 - Enneri Blaka. Site 2. - Drawing of a very decadent ox, based on a photograph by Maximilien Bruggmann. From the tail to the horn tip: 0.53 m.

97 - Enneri Blaka. Site 2. - (original photo) Rhinoceros from the ancient period, engraved with shallow lines. From the tip of the horn to the back of the hind foot: 0.40 m.

98 - Enneri Blaka. Site 2. - Naturalistic elephant, engraved with shallow lines, resembling the style of the previous rhinoceros in the photograph (same artist?). From the end of the trunk to the base of the tail: 0.44 m.

99 - Enneri Blaka. Site 3. - Ox with a "solar disc" between the horns. Figures, giraffes, graffiti... The disc is actually an oval shape, which may refer to a secular ornament. The stippled engravings are late and difficult to classify.

100 - Enneri Blaka. Site 3. - Giraffe from the older layer, engraved with fine lines. From the top of the head to the bottom of the legs: 0.425 m. The firm direction of the lines does not correct the imperfections of the supporting rock.

101 - Enneri Blaka. Site 3. - Elephant engraved on a defective rock. Period of the so-called "Bubale" era. From the base of the hind leg to the end of the tusks: 0.60 m.

102 - Enneri Blaka. Site 3. - Two schematic giraffes with scalariform legs. Compared to the giraffe in photo 101, these engravings appear very decadent. From the tip of the snout (right giraffe) to the base of the tail: 0.315 m.

103 - Enneri Blaka. Site 3. - Period of the "Bubale". A very beautiful giraffe created with lines and internal polishing of the legs. The legs are precise, the curve, and the head well observed. Behind the animal, another smaller giraffe could indicate that the larger one is a nursing female. However, the styles appear different. The engraving of the large giraffe overlaps a small stippled bovine, therefore earlier. From the giraffe’s hooves to the top of its horns: 2.45 m.

104 - Enneri Blaka. Site 4. - Giraffes in a rigid, decadent style. The largest measures 1.05 m in height.

105 - Enneri Blaka. Site 4. - Large naturalistic elephant. Period of the "Bubale". The over-engraving of the three giraffes is much later. Their style is also schematic. From the tips of the elephant's tusks to the end of the tail: 1.80 m long.

Maximilien Bruggmann and Sylvio Acatos taking the inventory of the large elephant at Site 4 of Enneri Blaka.

107 - Enneri Blaka. Site 5. - Period of the "Bubale". Small ungulate engraved with deep lines. Note the ends of the legs. This disproportion is found in many regions, especially the Rio de Oro. From the tips of the horns to the hooves: 0.225 m.

108 - Enneri Blaka. Site 5. - Period of the "Bubale". Two very beautiful giraffes, with well-engraved lines emphasizing their elegance. This depiction and the previous one (photo 107) are flat on the floor of the Neolithic shelter. At the top left, sandal prints can be seen, like those found by the thousands across the Sahara, especially in Tiratimine (Hoggar). These are a love wish specific to the Tuareg people. From the giraffe's hooves to the base of its horns: 0.95 m.

109 - Enneri Blaka. Site 5. - Still on the same stone slab of the rock shelter, from the "bubale" period, a schematic rhinoceros that fits well with the local style and the difficulty of properly capturing the anatomy of this animal. The legs also end in a "tapered" shape, which had already struck G.B.M. Flamand in 1921. From the tip of the horn to the back leg: 0.54 m.

110 - Enneri Blaka. Site 7. - Recent pastoral period. On a nearly vertical slab, an extraordinary grouping of cattle led Maximilien Bruggmann, the discoverer of the site, and his team to name it the "Ark of Noah." A mix of bovids, giraffes, hunters, and ungulates can be identified. The estimated number of subjects is 150! Width of the depicted panel: 1.75 m.

111 - Enneri Blaka. Site 7, known as the "Ark of Noah." - Detail of the fresco above: male bovid obtained by pecking, like most of the representations. The tail ends in a "broom." It is preceded by an animal with lyre-shaped horns (bovid?). From the tail to the tips of the horns: 0.91 m in length.

113 - Enneri Blaka. Site 8. - "Bubale" period. The engraving is difficult to interpret due to the arrangement of the hind legs. From the snout to the rump: 0.43 m.

116 - Enneri Blaka. Site 10. - Engravings by pecking. End of the pastoral period. Giraffes, bovids, ungulates. The depicted panel is 2.20 m wide.

123 - Enneri Blaka. Site 11 (2.7 km south of the "Submarine"). - Fresco of giraffes engraved from the "bubale" period. The coats are depicted using different pecking techniques.

124 - Enneri Blaka. Site 11. - Triangular figure from the Garamantic period. Engraving by pecking. The subject has a graceful posture and measures 0.64 meters from the feet to the tip of the feather on its head.

124 - Enneri Blaka. Site 11. - (original photo) Triangular figure from the Garamantic period. Engraving by pecking. The subject has a graceful posture and measures 0.64 meters from the feet to the tip of the feather on its head.

125 - Enneri Blaka. Site 11. - Garamantic period. Two triangular figures with U-shaped heads. Fine engraving. The right arm of the right figure crosses the left arm of the left figure, which measures 0.225 meters in height.

126 - Enneri Blaka. Site 11. - On top of an engraved giraffe are two (?) unidentified quadrupeds. A man stands at the back and touches the tail of one of them.

128 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Chariot Era. Chariot drawn by oxen, depicted in the naive technique of the "flat-format." Note the axle, the four-spoked wheels, and the very cramped platform. Width of the panel: 0.69 m.

129 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Chariot Era. The driver wears the tunic tightly belted at the waist, characteristic of the Garamantes. Both wheels have 6 spokes, and the axle is poorly positioned. No platform is visible. From the outside of the right wheel to the outside of the left wheel: 0.38 m.

130 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Garamantic Era (?). Object that is part of a series united by the same appearance. Loincloth (?)

131 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Bubaline Era. Rhino engraved with fine and regular lines. It is preceded by a smaller rhino. At the top right, two hanging parts of “loincloths” (?). Large rhino, from the tip of the tail to the tip of the horn: 0.51 m.

132 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Bubaline Era. Elephant engraved with fine lines. Between its legs is the rhino from photo 131. The fact that the rocks here are flat and provide horizontal surfaces attracted artists who did not hesitate to superimpose their works on those of their predecessors. At the height of the elephant's rump, a vulvar symbol (?). The panel portion measures 2.65 m in length.

133 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Bubaline Era. Extraordinary bovine with oversized horns. Several central parts of loincloths. Vulvar sign, hooves... The surface depicted measures 1.17 m in height.

134 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Bubaline Era. Beautiful cow engraved. The color differences in the coat are represented by lines separating the areas.

135 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Bubaline Era. Engraved elephant. One of the two lines delimiting the back is an abandoned sketch; dotted vulvar sign. Width of the depicted panel: 0.66 m.

136 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - "Diabolo" man from the Garamantic period. He holds a spear in his right hand and a shield in his left hand. The lower part of his tunic is fringed, and his head is adorned with a well-identified feather.

137 - Confluent Blaka-Domo. Site 12. - Confronted rhinoceroses from the Bubaline period. From the tip of one tail to the other: 0.665 m.

138 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - As at Enneri Blaka, there are cliffs along the edges of river valleys. Very beautiful naturalistic engravings from the Bubaline period depicting giraffes and an elephant. The cracks in the rock are sometimes recent, which damages the depictions. Sometimes they are old, and the artist took this into account. Height of the giraffe, from the hooves to the tips of the horns: 2.25 m.

139 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Enlarged detail of the previous engraving.

140 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Giraffes engraved with continuous, regular, and deep lines. Bubaline period. A smaller, unfinished giraffe precedes them on the right. At the top left: recently etched bovine.

141 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Bubaline period. The antelope in the center has a polished inner surface. A head appears below its neck. The antelope on the left, turned to the right, aligns with another animal turned to the left by the middle of its belly. This "monster" had already been seen by Frobenius. The ungulate in the center is 0.45 m in length.

142 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Bubaline period. As Frobenius described and published it in 1937, this scene is discussed in the chapter "The History of a False Idea: Sex and the Desert." Note the very modern appearance of the costumes.

142 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - (original photo) Bubaline period. As Frobenius described and published it in 1937, this scene is discussed in the chapter "The History of a False Idea: Sex and the Desert." Note the very modern appearance of the costumes.

143 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Bubaline period. The original engraving used as the model for L. Frobenius' drawing. Width of the panel shown in Maximilien Bruggmann's photo: 1.90 m.

145 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - The famous scene of the monkeys, here all visible. Bubaline period. The three animals in the upper part have their inner body polished. The one depicted below is simply etched with lines. From the bottom of the lower animal's legs to the ears of the right animal: 1.90 m.

148 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - An ensemble in which it would be tempting to see Garamantian graffiti accompanied by Tifinar inscriptions. The most interesting part is the figure on the right, despite it certainly being a more recent addition: on a massive rectangular "body" with scales facing upwards, there appears a hemispherical structure whose lower part is inserted into the body. The body itself rests on two medium-sized balls placed on two larger balls. Finally, the scaled structure seems to rest on a narrow band with larger scales. No explanation can be given for this engraving of undetermined age. Height of the figure: 2 m. Width of the body: 1.20 m.

149 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Period of the "bubale". A large figure with an animal head and a tail is in a variation of the "Bès position". This ithyphallic figure is accompanied by a smaller replica placed to the right. The magical character of this scene is likely linked to fertility invocations, at a time when the Sahara was already threatened by drought. Note the beautiful ostrich at the center right. From the right foot to the tip of the ear: 1.08 m.

150 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Period of the "bubale". A large giraffe, appearing massive but with precise anatomy. Engraving with deep and regular strokes. Below, a very schematic ostrich, perhaps later. Its presumed head is adjacent to a depiction of a trap. The circle above might be a representation of a jellyfish. The "trap" has a diameter of 0.63 m.

151 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Two bovids with forward-facing horns. Above, another trap with a diameter of 0.56 m.

152 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Period of the "bubale". The famous crocodile with a tail measuring 2.25 m in length! The depiction of the dermal plates was made with deep lines. Note the Tifinar inscriptions in the top right.

The Equipe Mission Blaka in front of the famous tail crocodile with a length of 2.25 m in the Wadi Mathendous: Philippe Roulet, Jean-Claude Bourgeon, Eva Bruggmann, Zoumri, Jean Garzoni, Maximilien Bruggmann  - Libya - 1969

153 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Period of the "bubale". A very beautiful engraving of a bovid with hanging horns. Note the depth of the lines and the cracks in the rock formed after the engraving. Length from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail: 0.72 m.

159 - Oued Mathendous. ln Habeter III. - Two giraffes and two bovids engraved on a vertical rocky surface at the edge of the Oued. From the lowest legs of the large bovine to the head of the giraffes: 1.32 m.

160 - Oued Mathendous. ln Galgien. - Bovid. Bovid period. Notice the line between the horns, which are represented along the axis of the spine. From the tip of the tail to the muzzle: 0.73 m.

161 - Oued Mathendous. ln Habeter II. - Male bovid (?) with crescent-shaped horns. From the top of the horn to the hooves: 0.35 m.

163 - Oued Mathendous. ln Habeter III. - The "sad cow" (!), anatomically correct, with well-marked nostrils.

164 - Oued Mathendous. ln Habeter II. - Ox with lyre-shaped horns.

166 - Oued Mathendous. ln Galgien. - Two giraffes with traces of internal polishing. The second animal is accompanied by a calf.

167 - Oued Mathendous. ln Habeter III. - The giraffes, whose detail is shown in photo 165. Height of the giraffe from the neck to the hoof: 1 m.

168 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Giraffe drinking. This representation is very rare. The front legs are spread apart.

169 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Period of the "bubale." Large elephant. The nature of the rock has caused significant erosion, making the engraving at the head difficult to read. The decoration of the trunk and ears shows an interesting aesthetic pursuit. From the tip of the tail to the front leg: 1.20 m.

170 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Small archer of indeterminate age. He wears "shorts," which is not entirely rare. A piece of leather or fabric (?) hangs between his legs, and the left shoulder's design, dominated by a crook, is difficult to explain. Height: 0.40 m.

170 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - (original photo) Small archer of indeterminate age. He wears "shorts," which is not entirely rare. A piece of leather or fabric (?) hangs between his legs, and the left shoulder's design, dominated by a crook, is difficult to explain. Height: 0.40 m.

171 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Period of the "bubale." Elephant lifting (?) a man with its trunk. Block width: 1.40 m.

172 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Small horse with a polished interior. From the tip of the ear to the hind hoof: 0.57 m.

173 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Engraved bovine with geometric tendencies, featuring a jugular appendage. The horns resemble the shape of a lyre. From the snout to the base of the tail: 0.65 m.

174 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Very beautiful ox, whose contours are engraved with a double line. As is often seen, the abdomen is marked by a vertical line. The lyre-shaped horns are above a clear eye. It is preceded by an antelope with very fine, long horns in the same style. From the left horn of the ox to the base of the tail: 0.65 m. Decadent graffiti between the horns of the ungulate.

175 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Enigmatic figure with no rational explanation. Total height: 0.51 m.

176 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Extraordinary engraving already seen by L. Frobenius. However, in his time, the hole between the legs did not exist. The photo by Maximilien Bruggmann corrects the representation given by L. Frobenius. From head to foot: 0.30 m in height.

177 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Period of the "bubale." Mythical scene discussed in the chapter titled "History of a False Idea: Sex and the Desert." Panel width: 1.55 m. (See: SAR-007B)

178 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Period of the "bubale." Beautiful elephant measuring 1.55 m from the legs to the skull. A misjudgment places both tusks to the left of the trunk. The elephants suggest a dense vegetation cover. Note the small figures.

179 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Bubaline period. In fact, the designation *Bubalus antiquus* Duv. was initially abandoned in favor of *Omoïoceras antiquus* Duv., eventually leading to *Pelorouis antiquus* Duv. This bovine with monumental horns is contemporary with the Neolithic and disappears with it. This specimen has two tails. A large bird is engraved between the horns, which are spread 0.72 m apart at their tips.

180 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Three giraffes, including one calf. The coat is depicted with scalariform patterns. The giraffe on the right measures 1.08 m from hoof to the tips of the horns.

181 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - A magnificent bull engraved with deep, regular lines. The tops of the horns are marked with two lines, themselves topped by a disc, in which some see an Egyptian influence, though this is not certain. From the tip of the snout to the end of the tail: 0.60 m in length.

185 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Lionesses with lyrical heads. Total width of the fractured block: 2.57 m.

186 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Bubaline period. Ostriches in a circle. Six birds, identifiable by their heads, but only the legs of the first one are visible. The bird at the bottom left is from the same period. A more recent human figure is sketched at the bottom right.

187 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Large elephant from the bubaline period. The engraving lines are sharp and well-followed. The weathering of the rock has cut off the legs above the feet, with the detached fragments lying at the base of the engraving. From the tip of the trunk to the end of the tail: 1.40 m in length.

190 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Detail of an engraved bovine head, showcasing remarkable artistic mastery. Width of the head at the level of the nostrils: 0.58 m.

193 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Two hippopotamuses, with only the upper one being finished. Deep and consistent engraving. Positioned too high on the wall to be measured.

194 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Bovine depicted in the grazing position. Below it, a teratological animal artificially composed of two hindquarters joined at the belly. From one tail to the other: 0.62 m in length. To the right of the tail's origin, a late addition of an animal head to correct (?) the lack of rationality of such a monster.

195 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Lioness with marked claws, her tail bent upwards towards her back. It’s possible this tail actually belongs to a previous engraving. Note the 3 cup-shaped depressions behind the left front paw. From the top of the arch to the lioness’s hind paw: 0.75 m in height.

196 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Giraffe drawn after L. Frobénius. Note the circle enclosing the origin of the neck. The drawing of the legs is awkward.

197 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter II. - Detail of the head from the previous drawing.

198 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Giraffe engraved with a deep line and a highly stylized head, reminiscent of the style of the painter Chirico. Height of the animal: 1.30 m.

201 - Oued Mathendous. In Galgien. - Pastoral fresco depicting four bovids: three on the left, one on the right. The coat is represented by alternating polished and unpolished areas. Width of the depicted panel: 1.30 m.

202 - Oued Mathendous. In Habeter III. - Physical destruction of a beautiful rock document. Several fragments have disappeared, and the remaining ones show a shift from the original depiction. The three upper blocks are 1.33 m wide.

203 - Oued Mathendous. In Galgien. - Exceptional engraved elephant from the Bubaline period. This beautiful document is one of the peaks of Saharan rock art and one of the finest line engravings. It highlights the artists' familiarity with their biotope. Note that the length of the tusks was limited by the dimensions of the rock. From the tail to the end of the trunk: 2.65 m long.

Maximilien Bruggmann et Jean Garzoni lors de l'inventaire de l'éléphant sur la photo précédente.

219 - Tadrart Acacous. Oued Kessan. – Three well-observed giraffes engraved by puncturing and fine lines. Width of the panel: 1.33 m.

222 - Tadrart Acacous. Tin-Achigh. – Very rare representation of a hand engraved in relief. Diagonally along the rock fracture, a crude Tifinagh inscription. Life-size.

223 - Tadrart Acacous. Tin-Achigh. – Beautiful giraffe finely engraved. At the bottom left, possibly a monkey and a figure difficult to identify. The whole is overloaded with horse epoch graffiti. Width of the depicted panel: 0.71 m.

244 - Tadrart Acacous. Tin-Lalan. – Ritual intercourse scene between an exaggeratedly ithyphallic figure and a woman with Europoid features. This is a scene with a propitiatory character. See chapter "The History of a False Idea: Sex and the Desert". Height of the depicted panel: 1.50 m.

245 - Tadrart Acacous. Tin-Lalan. – Another ritual intercourse scene. This scene has become complex due to overpainting and is difficult to restore. The Europoid figure on the right is a false ithyphallic, the oversized genitals having been added later. The original scene seems to depict the right figure, the ithyphallic genitals at the top center, and the therocéphale facing a woman whose vulva corresponds to a rock defect.

246 - Tadrart Acacous. Tin-Lalan. – A woman in a gynological position, of decadent style. Due to clumsiness, the vulva seems to have been placed beneath the body. Above, a beautiful ostrich. This scene has no propitiatory character and can be attributed to the modern sexuality of the nomads.

247 - Tadrart Acacous. Tin-Lalan. – The nature of the scene, originally part of invoking the supernatural powers of fertility, has greatly degraded over time. The multiple retouches and difficulty in reconstructing the original work led F. Mori, who saw it, to deny its mythical character. See the chapter "The History of a False Idea: Sex and the Desert". Height of the central figure: 1.22 m.

248 - Tadrart Acacous. Tin-Lalan. – Detail of the female figure from the previous photograph (247). Width of the depicted panel: 0.82 m.

249 - Moghar et-Taghtani (Algeria). - The famous slabs, known since 1847 and whose depiction was first published in 1849, are located in front of a landscape that already hints at a desert. It has been said that the real difference between the north and the south is the palm tree: it gives dates in the north and hard nuts in the south. The engravings on the slabs face the sparse gardens of the oasis.

250 - Moghar et-Taghtani (Algeria). - The deep and mysterious engraving is from the Neolithic age. Perhaps it depicts a man? But nothing is certain. This engraving is the first clue of an affirmed spirituality: it encapsulates an idea in a symbol whose meaning seems to elude us. This document is an enlargement of the previous photo. Height: 0.97 m.

251 - Moghar et-Taghtani (Algeria). - Engraving from the Bubaline age (Neolithic), often said to represent an archer. Nothing is less certain, although it is likely a human. Height: 0.37 m.

252 - Moghar et-Taghtani (Algeria). - Engraving from the Bubaline age. Some see the rear part of an animal. This is a hypothesis, no more. Height: 0.51 m.

253 - Moghar et-Taghtani (Algeria). - Beneath a finely engraved small bovine and two ostriches below its head, a curious being with its legs folded and open in a praying position. The vertical lines crossing the body remain unexplained. One must accept that the intention of the (or the) engraver cannot be revealed. Head diameter: 0.12 m.

254 - Moghar et-Taghtani (Algeria). - This beautiful set of Bubaline engravings is typical of the problem posed by interpreting works from this era. In the center, a figure with disheveled hair. The arms, whose hands are always highlighted, are in the so-called "praying" position. A line at chest height is unexplained. The figure wears a loincloth, part of which forms a tail (could it be an animal skin?). It dominates a scene in which a ritual appears to be performed. On the left, a curious hoofed animal with a "round" head carries strange horns. Its legs transition into a humanoid figure similar to those in photos 251 and 253 but may have a bow at the right arm. In the center and bottom, then to the right, two hoofed animals remove, through their engravings, any suggestion of clumsiness from the engraver. Note the links that seem attached to the hind legs of the two hoofed animals. Inside one of them, at the center, a small animal is engraved. The praying figure is 0.67 m in height.

255 - Thyout (Algeria). - A scene that shocked many at the end of the 19th century. It is now referred to as "The Hunting Lesson". In fact, at the top of this Neolithic engraving, there is a "placental bond" linking a mythical being with a hunter aiming at an ostrich followed by a dog. Between the "god" and the "creature" is a small, undefined ungulate. This is a scene of fertility invocation. The three engraved scenes below are of the same nature. On the far right of the photo, the hindquarters of a large bovine. The large figure at the bottom left measures 0.64 m in height.

256 - Thyout (Algeria). - The same scene as the previous one, but reduced to the two figures connected by the "placental bond".

257 - Thyout (Algeria). - This propitiatory scene depicts an "archer" holding an undefined object in his left hand. A placental bond connects him with a small figure.

258 - Taghit (Algeria). - Detail from photo 262. Engraved foot and hand.

259 - Taghit (Algeria). - Detail from photo 262. Engraving of a bovine and inexplicables signs.

260 - Taghit (Algeria). - Curious engraving of a bovine whose tail reaches a natural fissure, intentionally extending it. From the tip of the horn to the edge of the rock on the left: 2.40 m.

261 - Taghit (Algeria). - Engraving of a bovine executed with regular strokes. The head is lightly dotted. Another figure exists at the bottom right. The rest represents recent and crude overpainting. Width of the panel depicted: 1.30 m.

262 - Taghit (Algeria). - Large fresco showing many bovines and caprines oriented in both directions. There are only two representations of humans in the form of small schematic engravings slightly to the right of the center, at the bottom of the fresco. Above, further to the right, there is an engraved hand and foot. The slab measures between 1.70 m and 2 m in height and 4.50 m in length.

263 - Taghit (Algeria). - Detail from photo 262. Engravings in a uniform stroke style. Two schematic humans are clearly visible here.

264 - Taghit (Algeria). - Detail of photo 262. It seems the engraver wanted to depict all the species of ungulates he knew. The large central bovine measures 0.93 m from the top of the horns to the bottom of the front legs.

265 - Figuig (Morocco). - ‘Sacred’ sheep. The collar is only depicted on one side and was obviously not engraved at the same time as the animal. Only the lines above the head give the sheep a mysterious appearance. From the rump to the forehead: 0.80 metres.

266 - Tazka-Tafraout (Morocco). - Very schematically engraved ungulate (ram?). The genitals are, however, depicted. From the tip of the horn to the right front hoof: 1.54 m.

267 - Tazka-Tafraout (Morocco). - Engraving related to the previous one, but more elaborate. From the base of the tail to the tip of the horn: 1.96 m.

268 - Tigane (Morocco). - Gazelles, whose lightness is well conveyed by the engraving. Many lines without graphic organization may be traces of polishing. Width of the depicted panel: 0.45 m.

269 - Icht (Morocco). - Curious engraving with difficult identification. An ungulate is topped by another engraving that starts from the tail and ends at the snout. From the tail to the snout: 0.30 m.

270 - Azib n'Ikkis (Morocco). - Metal Age. Extraordinary bird (by the legs) with a square body. One leg has five toes, the other six. The wings (?) hang down with feathers (?). To the right, two daggers. Height of the subject: 0.95 m.

271 - Tigane (Morocco). - Deeply engraved animal. A hump dominates the neck, but it is unclear what it represents. Note the crosslines in the hindquarters. From the snout to the tail: 0.38 m.

272 - Tigane (Morocco). - Engraved rhinoceros. Interesting because of the climatic indication it gives. It is very schematic and shows only one horn. In the same style, between the legs, another indeterminate animal. Note the scattered lines across the entire depicted surface. Length: 0.14 m.

273 - Tigane (Morocco). - Epoch of the "bubale." Another engraved rhinoceros. This time it has two horns and well-marked ears. Length from the front horn to the hindquarters: 0.38 m.

274 - Smara. A very beautiful gazelle with thread-like legs, as many exist in the region. It is followed by another, less clearly carved, and topped by a smaller subject. Width of the depicted panel: 1.15 m.

275 - Region of Tiflit. - Elephants, schematically carved, with deep lines. The pair of legs is rendered by a median line in the legs. Height from the skull to the front foot: 0.35 m.

276 - Region of Merem. - A hooved animal on the left, and two giraffes on the right. The mane is exaggeratedly long. Notice that the use of the rock surface is maximized with the giraffe on the right. From the giraffe’s ears to the tips of its legs: 0.77 m.

277 - Region of Smara. - Bubale (the famous Pelorouis antiquus Duv.), whose horns, in aerial view, contrast with the body shown in profile. Deep-line engraving. One interpretation suggests the animal is lying down and struck by lines. Length from tail to snout: 0.27 m.

287 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Bubaline age engravings, but very difficult to read. The anatomical precision is quite remarkable here. Five bovid species are identified, and on the right, a later depiction of a giraffe. Width of the panel: 4 m.

288 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Detail from the previous photo.

293 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Beautiful naturalistic engraving of great ethnographic interest, as while bovids interest us because of the beauty of the lines, engraved containers are extremely rare: if one is found, characterized by its opening, it could be dated. In that case, we would also have the age of the engraving. Width of the block presented: about 2 m.

298 - Tan Ekli (Tadrart). - Astonishing frieze showing cows engraved in the best naturalistic style of high quality. The dotted contours form circles that allow the depiction of the animals' coat. Between the legs of the bovine, whose rear end is the only part visible, there is a very small figure.

307 - ln Djaren (Tadrart). - On a large pyramidal rock, there is an engraved fresco showing eight elephants. From the "bubale" period. The engraving is shallow, executed through pitting with remarkable attention to accuracy. The last elephant is defecating. Below, there is a frieze of figures also engraved, but at a later date.

308 - Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann showing how the engraver depicted the last elephant in photo 307.

308 - (original photo) Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann showing how the engraver depicted the last elephant in photo 307.

309 - ln Djaren South (Tadrart). - A carved elephant charging a hunter wearing an "Ouan Amil" hat. The man holds a weapon. A second elephant appears in the background. The distance from the back leg of the elephant to the front foot of the man is 1.05 m.

310 - ln Djaren (pyramidal rock, Tadrart). - Three men with shaved heads and beards. Two look to the left, the third to the right. The figure in the middle and the one on the right are ithyphallic. One of them holds a spear, all have an Europoid profile. The height of the right figure from head to foot is 0.70 m.

311 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Small rabbit with a very distinctive profile. It looks to the left. Life size.

312 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Fish shown from different perspectives: one in profile, another, which is very rare, from an aerial view. This highlights the engravers’ familiarity with aquatic fauna. From the head to the tip of the tail of the large fish: 0.50 m.

313 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Bovids licking their left rear foot. The engraving by puncturing is astonishingly precise. From the front hoof to the base of the tail: 0.67 m.

314 - Ouan Zouaten (Tadrart, region of In Djaren). - Procession of engraved bovids. Width of the depicted panel: 2.50 m.

318 - Bou Ediane (Tadrart, Guelta). – Two well-preserved spotted giraffes. Their tails are curled. The body is entirely dotted. The front legs are in the drinking position of a giraffe. A horn on the front hoof of the left animal: 0.95 m.

320 - Tin Abedine (Tadrart). – To the left, a man holding a pot, followed by three giraffes going in the same direction as him. The giraffes and the man are beginning to sink seriously into the sand. From the horn of the right giraffe to the level of the sand: about 1.70 m.

336 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A large bubale (antelope) engraved, with the tips of its horns separated by 1 m. This "leading fossil" of the oldest rock art is beautifully rendered here and corresponds to what animal paleontology teaches us. It is overlaid with a very beautiful double spiral and other unremarkable graffiti.

337 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A typical landscape of this conservatory of ancient images of vanished peoples. On the horizontal slab, large oxen are engraved with deep strokes.

338 - Oued Djérat (Afar-Mellah, Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A large bubale (Peloroois antiquus Duv.) engraved, with a kneeling (?) figure behind it, holding its right hand toward its tail. On the head, one can distinguish either bristling hair or feathers. A belt with three stripes is clearly visible.

339 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A large engraved ox, whose brow has been redone twice. A newer spiral surmounts it as if to summon the arrival of water.

340 - Oued Djérat (rock shelter between Aha and Anafeg, Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A painted chariot, drawn by two horses, galloping in a "flying gallop." This may be a battle scene, with men lying in front of the chariot. The ochre painting shows the driver in a good posture, but how could he balance on the platform?

344 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Chariot engraved in "flying gallop." The driver seems to be thrown backward. The wheels on the right side have four spokes, while those on the left have six. From whip (?) to horse's nose, the distance is 0.72 m.

344 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - (original photo) Chariot engraved in "flying gallop." The driver seems to be thrown backward. The wheels on the right side have four spokes, while those on the left have six. From whip (?) to horse's nose, the distance is 0.72 m.

345 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, guelta de Tin-Smad). - Engraved chariot drawn by two horses, shown in a "flat" view and positioned oppositely relative to the yoke. Width of the panel shown: 0.65 m.

346 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Tin-Smad). - Engraved chariot of good quality, showing the difficulty of standing on a small platform while galloping, whether flying or not. Two spears are fixed to the floor of the chariot. From the driver’s head to the front hooves: 0.72 m.

351 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, near Aha-Anafeg). - The famous engraved archer has a stylized figure. He wears a headgear and holds a bow as if he has just shot an arrow. He might have a lightly fringed cape on his back. The belt, formed by a double line, extends with a floating tail. It appears that he carries a phallic sheath inserted into the belt, leaving the testicles exposed, as some regional ethnographies still show. Note the double spiral in the left corner and modern graffiti.

352 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved warrior inspired by the previous engraving. However, the head this time is that of a cynocephalus (dog-headed figure). The legs are well-rendered. The belt consists of six lines. The bow is held by its wood in the left hand. Curiously, only the toes of the left foot are engraved. The man is followed by a dog.

353 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - At the junction of the Oued Touloult lies this depiction, which is linked to a very ancient fertility cult, now only visited by lonely nomads. Such representations are often degraded. For further explanation, see the chapter titled: "History of a False Idea. Sex and the Desert." (See: SAR-007B)

354 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved subjects of different ages; the ungulate on the right is thus "accidentally" facing a figure engraved with a lighter stroke, probably wearing a loincloth.

355 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Finely engraved calf with polished head, belly, and legs. The hooves are well observed. Around the neck, a necklace with a pendant. The head of a sheep hidden by the calf appears at the chest level.

356 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, between Tin-Smad and the confluence of the Oued Touloult). - Ox - fat, with short legs and a massive body. The head, however, is quite normal, and at the neck, a collar ends with a long pendant. On the right, the rear of another "fat" ox is visible, and beneath it, an elegant giraffe deeply engraved.

357 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - The engraving of the bovine head above is of superior craftsmanship. It is topped by another, more awkward and later head. This one is dotted.

358 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Bovine engraved with lines. One ear passes under the right horn.

359 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved ox whose coat is depicted by alternating polished and dotted areas.

360 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Head of a bovine engraved by pitting and finished with lines through friction. One would expect to hear it moo.

361 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved ox with a very long ear and horns bent forward. Sketch made by pitting, finished with lines. Traces of internal polishing.

362 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved hyena. The line is awkward, and it is likely a later work. But the animal is easily recognizable by its snout and mane.

363 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Sheep, easily identifiable. The hind legs are perfectly drawn. The depiction of the head approximates the natural curve of the muzzle.

364 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved scene of ritual intercourse. The male character, whose head is located at the top left, is a therianthrope, with only its left leg having something human about it. The head of the woman he is mating with is neither animal nor human. See the chapter "The History of a False Idea: Sex and the Desert". (See: SAR-007B)

365 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Drawing from a photo of an engraved rhinoceros. The head has always posed a problem for both engravers and painters.

365 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - (original photo) Drawing from a photo of an engraved rhinoceros. The head has always posed a problem for both engravers and painters.

366 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, confluence of the Wadi Touloult) – When one realizes that the spirals, like the rhinoceros, were engraved using only stone flakes, one can only admire the two triple spirals and the rhinoceros at the bottom, on the left thigh of which a clumsy artist tried to replicate the same masterpiece. There are also more spirals at the top.

The T4 mission team in front of the engravings of the spirals in the Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). From the left: a Touareg, Edouard Bois de Chesne, commissioned by television to make a five-part film series about the Sahara, Mrs Eva Bruggmann, Pascal Pol, Sylvio Acatos, journalist, and Maximilien Bruggmann, head of Mission T4.

367 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Two rhinoceroses: one large and one small, engraved with fine lines. The larger one has exaggerated horns and its sex is emphasized. The main engravings of the so-called "Ethiopian" large fauna bring us back to the Neolithic. Essential parts of it will disappear with it.

368 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Engraved rhinoceros with highly exaggerated horns. It seems that these horns were retouched at a later time, restoring the engraver’s full artistry and giving the rhinoceros its precise form. From tail to horn, it measures 1.75 meters in length.

369 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Schematic rhinoceros engraved with a deep line.

370 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Late period. Engraved rhinoceros with a head larger than the body.

371 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Rhinoceros walking in a possible charging position. Note how the front horn is connected to the snout.

372 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Drawing of a naturalistic rhinoceros by Maximilien Bruggmann.

372 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – (original photo) Drawing of a naturalistic rhinoceros by Maximilien Bruggmann.

373 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Engraving of a rhinoceros defecating. The position of the ears, like the front horn, gives this animal an unexpected appearance.

374 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Magnificent engraved giraffe head. The outline, initially dotted, was finished with a smoothing stone. The interior was decorated with dotted lines.

375 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Tin-Smad). - Full body of the Tin-Smad giraffe, whose head is the subject of the previous photo (374). In fact, the body is less well rendered by the engraver than the head.

376 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Tin-Smad region). - Other giraffes engraved with different coats. At the top right, a dressed and bent figure.

377 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Antelope engraved on a very weathered rock. The head is difficult to describe.

378 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Deeply engraved dog (?). The depiction of the animal with its head turned is quite rare and gives grace to the engraving.

379 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Antelope or goat. The deeply engraved animal is highly stylized. The coat is represented by a series of engraved lines. Note the spirals, one with two turns and the other, more irregular, with only one.

380 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved Addax (?). The lines are regular and shallow. The design was pre-punched.

381 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Antelope (?). The coat is rendered by vertical lines.

382 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved elephant with "butterfly ears." It is located at the beginning of the Oued Abezza.

383 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Oued Abezza). - Another engraved elephant. The trunk is ridged. The forehead is too sloping. The tusks are tiny.

384 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved elephant. The trunk is drawn towards the lower jaw. The eye is depicted "Indian style." The elephant's legs are surmounted by an engraved ostrich.

385 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Elephant with dotted outline. Note the presence of the sex.

386 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Oued Abezza). - Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann, based on an engraving of an elephant.

386 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Oued Abezza). - (original photo) Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann, based on an engraving of an elephant.

387 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Beautiful engraving of a large elephant. The ears are squared with lines, but the eyes are shown flat on the same plane!

388 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Herd of ostriches, deeply engraved. The animals are roughly depicted. These birds might explain the feathers often found in the headgear of men.

389 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Superficially dotted ostrich. There is evidence that the ostrich survived long beyond the fertile period.

390 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved birds. Their beaks do not allow identification as ostriches.

391 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - On an isolated rock, this extraordinary frieze of birds is discovered. Likely pelicans. There are about a dozen birds, but only the head has been depicted.

392 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Finally came the camel! In the final phase of the Sahara's fertility. The horse itself disappeared. In the Sahara, the dromedary (wrongly called "camel"), the donkey, and the goat remain. The current harshness of the climate and the difficulty of survival fully explain the extreme poverty of camel art.

394 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Modern "camel" (Camelus dromedarius) as seen by the inhabitants of the Sahara.

394 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - (original photo) Modern "camel" (Camelus dromedarius) as seen by the inhabitants of the Sahara.

395 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Tuareg warriors. The armament of the descendants of Berber immigrants was formidable: spear, javelin, sword known as "takouba", arm dagger, antelope skin shield.

396 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Since the men in tight tunics, the Sahara has been a vast battlefield. The "lancer" depicted here must be quite ancient. Moreover, the Tuaregs had long imposed taxes on those who wished to pass through their territory peacefully.

397 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Nevertheless, the legends grafted onto ancient myths have never ceased to be in circulation. More than a theriocephalus, the figure shown here evokes a devil and refers to a hundred legends about the "djinn."

477 - Ozeneare (Tassili-n'Ajjer). – Isolated stone block. It appears that a set of lines and polishing cupules, intended to make polished stone objects, conceal a deeply engraved head of a bovine. The stone depicted is 1.20 m wide.

The site where the isolated stone block from Ozeneare was found.

578 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - The Tin-Terhert site presents an extraordinary surprise for the traveler, as it is a true open-air museum. The large slabs of Maâder de Dider are covered with magnificent, deep engravings made with stone chips. The large ox measures 5.10 m in length.

579 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Head of a bovid from the left document. Extraordinary work composed of engraved patterns to render the animal's coat.

580 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Maâder de Dider). - Details of the large bovid, allowing for a judgment of the engraver's mastery.

581 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Maâder de Dider). - Details of the large bovid, allowing for a judgment of the engraver's mastery.

582 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Maâder de Dider). - Details of the large bovid, allowing for a judgment of the engraver's mastery.

583 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - The depicted panel is 1 meter high and shows a group of figures with polished heads, exhibiting features that might represent clothing at various body levels. The man at the bottom right has a "tail" and three lines dividing the body. Above him is an indeterminate ungulate, which is in turn dominated by a figure with its head upside down.

584 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - This very beautiful engraving from the bovid era shows a reclining antelope sleeping, with its snout resting on the right front leg. When considering the tools available to the artist, one can say that, artistically, we have not invented anything new. Overall width: 0.47 m.

585 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Lightly engraved spirals, arranged in three successive coils.

586 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved ungulate, indeterminate due to the unclear depiction of the head. From the snout to the tail tip: 0.61 m.

587 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A life-sized engraved rabbit from the bublian era. From the tail to the mouth: 0.40 m.

588 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Three giraffes eating foliage above them, thus with their heads raised. Height of the giraffes: 0.80 m.

589 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved head of a giraffe. The depicted section is 0.41 m wide.

590 - Tin-Terhert (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - These engraved ostriches stand out clearly from the usual awkwardness of artists who have attempted to reproduce them. Only the attachment of the beak to the head is not well rendered. From the right foot to the left head: 0.40 m.

611 - Alan-Edoument (Tassili-n'Ajjer). – Engraving of a large Bubalus (Pelorovis antiquus Duv.). This species is now completely extinct.

612 - Alan-Edoument (Tassili-n'Ajjer). – Engraved hippopotamus. The horn on top of the neck is a later addition. Below, there are signs of polishing.

627 - Region of Djanet (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - The "devil": An ithyphallic figure ejaculating. As explained in the chapter on sexuality, this ancient engraving should be examined within the context of a time when humans, threatened in their survival, invoked powers that united genitality and fertility. Therefore, any ambiguous interpretation should be avoided here.

628 - In-Debiren (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - The engraved oxen seen here make maximum use of pre-existing cupules for the nostrils and eyes. The one on the left appears overloaded in its greatest width.

629 - Terrarart (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Four deeply engraved oxen with polished parts. Executed in the style of those from In-Debiren, using the natural relief of the rock to the fullest. The ox in the middle left is called "the crying cow" because it appears to have a tear running from its right eye. This engraving, at human height, is located on an isolated rock emerging from the sand in the Wadi Edjiriou. It is said that when the wadi flows, the "crying cow" dips its snout into the water. Dimension of the head, from forehead to nostrils: 0.60 m.

632 - Yeï Loulou Yoga (Niger). - Engraving through complete pecking. On the left, a Sudanese Sloughi. In the center, a traditionally dressed Tuareg with spear, shield, and a cord hanging between the legs. On the right, an armed, mounted dromedary. Note the head ornaments of the animal.

633 - Yeï Loulou Yoga (Niger). - Engraved elephant. 1.20 m in height.

635 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - Engraved herd of bovids.

636 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - Very schematic but clearly identifiable cheetah, drawn by Maximilien Bruggmann from his photograph.

636 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - (original photo) Very schematic but clearly identifiable cheetah, drawn by Maximilien Bruggmann from his photograph.

637 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann representing six figures from a fresco that contains eighteen in total, spanning 1.55 m in length. Each figure measures about 0.20 m in height. It may depict a dance scene. Each individual wears a feather, sometimes two, on their head. It is unclear if they are dressed, as their visible genitalia suggest otherwise. However, it is likely not ithyphallicism.

637 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - (original photo) Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann representing six figures from a fresco that contains eighteen in total, spanning 1.55 m in length. Each figure measures about 0.20 m in height. It may depict a dance scene. Each individual wears a feather, sometimes two, on their head. It is unclear if they are dressed, as their visible genitalia suggest otherwise. However, it is likely not ithyphallicism.

638 - Bardai (Tibesti). - Pastoral scene combining figures and bovids. Each individual is equipped with some sort of sickle. The curvature does not suggest that it is a "boomerang."

639 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - The same scene as the previous one, and in the same style. An unexplained semicircular form is added. From the tail of the central cow to the farthest tip of the horn: 0.68 m.

640 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - Two very curious, elongated figures showing a sex in the shape of a "winding mechanism." The profile is sketched. The postures are accurate. The lines were previously dotted. The man on the right seems to be preparing to throw a spear. He is 0.83 m tall.

641 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - A large bovine rendered through rough but regular dotting. The horns are exaggerated, and the posture is somewhat schematic.

642 - Bardaï (Tibesti). - A cow with overloaded horns. The added horns are asymmetrical, which is also found in nature. From the top of the left horn to the front hoof: 0.63 m.

643 - Enneri Bardagué (Tibesti). - Three ostriches dotted and schematized. The one on the left is 0.42 m in height.

644 - Enneri Bardagué (Tibesti). - Kudu (antelope) depicted with dotting.

645 - Enneri Bessama (Tibesti). - Two schematic bovines with exaggerated horns.

646 - Enneri Bessama (Tibesti). - A large bull, dotted with lyre-shaped horns. From the nose to the tip of the tail: 0.57 m.

647 - Enneri Direnao (Tibesti). - The "Lancer." Coarse dotting that still conveys the figure's stance, with three feathers (?) on the head, a short tunic, and a belt. From the top of the central feather to the feet: 0.49 m.

648 - Enneri Direnao (24 km from Bardaï, Tibesti). - Lancer, drawn from a photo by Maximilien Bruggmann. Note the disproportion of the spear, whose iron is larger than the man's body. The spear measures 0.50 m.

648 - Enneri Direnao (24 km from Bardaï, Tibesti). - (original photo) Lancer, drawn from a photo by Maximilien Bruggmann. Note the disproportion of the spear, whose iron is larger than the man's body. The spear measures 0.50 m.

649 - Enneri Direnao (Tibesti). - Another lancer between two bovines. His costume resembles that of the Swiss Guard! The spear is oversized, and his abdomen is reduced to a line. He has not only three feathers on his head but also "appendages" hanging from his ears. From the top of the central feather to the feet: 0.27 m.

650 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - The engraving begins to show the damage from amateur photographers who do not hesitate to rub, wet, or coat it with various products, without concern for preserving this rare artwork. It depicts a naked man with a dog-like profile and harmonious proportions, despite the slightly elongated legs. He carries an unclear, short object on his right shoulder. It is engraved with shallow but regular lines, and the artist adhered to real anatomy for the body. The representation of the sex is direct and clear. Height of the figure: 1.87 m.

651 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - Deeply engraved elephant. The smallest one preceding it is probably not from the same period. Typical landscape of Gonoa in a field of volcanic rocks. From the front of the small elephant to the hind leg of the large one: 1.60 m.

652 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - Pastoral scene engraved by puncturing in a very decadent style. The first archer on the right is 0.41 m tall.

653 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - Elephant rendered primarily with straight lines, giving a geometric look to this engraving, which is recent in style but rare: 0.41 m tall. Only the back and trunk are slightly curved. From the base of the tail to the hind leg: 0.88 m.

654 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - Two spirals in reverse order, with the higher spiral continuing the lower one. Mediocre engraving. Diameter of one spiral: 0.15 m.

655 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - A large elephant towers over a bull with lyre-shaped horns whose belly is marked with a vertical line. Between the two, a later camel. Note that the elephant has no observable eye. The belly of the elephant, at its center, measures 0.57 m.

656 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - On a beautiful fresco of eight finely engraved giraff. Above, a punctuated bovine, later in date. Inside the bovine, there is an inexplicable structure. The very small man standing in front of the first giraffe, on the left, measures 0.14 m in height.

657 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - Punctuated and deeply engraved bull. Although clumsy, the engraver has made an effort.

658 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - Beautiful naturalistic engravings of giraffes, with artistic rendering of the animals’ fur. From the hump of the back of the giraffe on the right to its hind legs: 1.16 m.

659 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - Deeply engraved bovine. From the muzzle to the start of the tail: 0.72 m.

660 - Gonoa (Tibesti). - Giraffes engraved with long, fine lines. The insides of the legs and heads are polished. The legs of the animal on the right are oversized. A small figure and various animals are visible between the two giraffes. From the hump of the back of the largest giraffe to the level of the legs: 0.94 m.

Abri Ilem - A shelter with rock art - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The rock engravings of Dabous are located on the western edge of the Aïr Mountains in Niger, around 110 km north of Agadez and just a few kilometres off the Trans-Saharan route. In 2000, the rock engravings of Dabous were included in the World Monuments Watch list of the 100 most endangered cultural monuments. - Niger - Aïr - 1999

The giraffes of Dabous are life-size rock engravings of two giraffes in the Sahara from the Neolithic period. They are located on the sloping top of a sandstone block about 15 metres high and cannot be seen from the ground. The larger, male giraffe is 5.8 metres high from horns to hooves and is one of the largest rock engravings of its kind in the world. The female giraffe, which also carries a rope from its nostrils, measures 3.02 metres from head to tail tip. It is estimated to be between 7,000 and 10,000 years old. The giraffes are characterized by their great attention to detail and the preservation of proportions. - Niger - Aïr - 1999

The giraffes of Dabous are life-size rock engravings of two giraffes in the Sahara from the Neolithic period. They are located on the sloping top of a sandstone block about 15 metres high and cannot be seen from the ground. The larger, male giraffe is 5.8 metres high from horns to hooves and is one of the largest rock engravings of its kind in the world. The female giraffe, which also carries a rope from its nostrils, measures 3.02 metres from head to tail tip. It is estimated to be between 7,000 and 10,000 years old. The giraffes are characterized by their great attention to detail and the preservation of proportions. - Niger - Aïr - 1999

Rock engraving at the well of Ounane Iterade - Niger - Aïr - 1999