Engraved giraffe, Dabous, Niger

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Dabous is located in north-eastern Niger, where the Ténéré desert meets the Aïr Mountains. The area has been part of the trans-Saharan caravan trade for over 2,000 years, but archaeological evidence shows much older occupation in the region dating back 8,000 years. More recently it has become known for its exceptional rock art.

The two giraffes, thought to be one large male in front of a smaller female, were engraved on the weathered surface of a sandstone outcrop and are thought to be up to 8,000 years old. The larger giraffe measures 5.4 m in height and combines several techniques of production including scraping, smoothing and deep engraving of the outlines.

More than 800 engravings are placed throughout the outcrop consisting of antelopes, giraffes, ostriches, rhinoceros, horses, camels and cattle.

http://ow.ly/PdSHy 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