Engraved crocodiles, Messak, Libya

3D Model

This 2m long crocodile engraving at In Habeter is one of the most famous in the Messak region in Libya. Crocodile depictions are very scarce in the region with only ten recorded so far. This area is home to some of the oldest engravings in the Sahara desert (possibly as much as 10,000 years old) and some of the most well-known depictions in Saharan rock art.

Messak rock art has been known to archaeology since the 1850s and has been more extensively studied in the 20th century. Figures appear both isolated and in complex scenes which include engraved life-size elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, buffaloes and figures which mix human and animal features (therianthropes), along with numerous figures from more modern periods such as horses and camels.

http://ow.ly/gVYH300FuXH This model was created using original photographs from the African rock art image project, supported by the Arcadia Fund. For more information visit www.britishmuseum.org/africanrockart