Engraved panel, Messak, Libya

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This engraved rock panel is one of the most well known in the whole of the Messak region in Libya. It is thought to represent a ritual scene, notably with the ornamentation of bulls and people.

The engravings date to the Pastoral Period (c.7,500 – 4,000 years ago). The introduction of domesticates into Libya has been identified archaeologically at around 8,000 years ago, although full exploitation of cattle for dairying is much later at around 6,000 years ago. The development to full pastoral systems in the region is complex and prolonged, so it is challenging to track any changes from the rock art itself, but the painting of large herds of cattle must be connected to a full pastoral society.

http://ow.ly/G0Wk300Fvvr 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