Pictograph of humans and animals, Libya
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Pictograph of humans and animals, Libya
Pictographic frieze of humans and animals in the Tin Lebbo area of Wadi Tashwinat, south west Libya made around 9, 000 years ago. Top left is a white figure that may be a shaman or magician, or a hunter performing some sort of a ritual or dance, or just chasing an animal. Below, a woman appears to be controlling a horse. The presence of cattle and giraffes indicate a savannah environment. The painting includes two or more styles, showing different degrees of skills perhaps meaning that the painting was the work of different generations, or by different artists from the same generation. Most of the human figures lack any facial features and appear to have a mythological background and themes. Ochre was the main pigment used by early humans in rock art and body painting; and sites showing evidence of prehistoric ochre mining have been discovered in the Sahara
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Media ID 6315085
© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Africa Cattle Dance Giraffe Horse Hunt Hunter Libya Magician Mythology Ochre Painting Pictograph Pictographic Pre Historic Pre History Ritual Rock Art Sahara Savannah Frieze Shaman
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable pictograph of humans and animals, offering us a glimpse into the rich history of Libya. Created approximately 9,000 years ago in the Tin Lebbo area of Wadi Tashwinat, this pictographic frieze is an extraordinary testament to the artistic skills and cultural significance of our ancestors. In the top left corner, we are drawn to a white figure that holds an air of mystery. It could be interpreted as a shaman or magician engaged in a ritual or dance, or perhaps even chasing after an animal. Below this enigmatic figure, we see a woman who appears to have control over a horse—a testament to early human's relationship with these majestic creatures. The presence of cattle and giraffes within the painting indicates that this ancient community thrived in a savannah environment. The inclusion of multiple styles suggests that different generations or artists from the same generation contributed to its creation. Interestingly, most human figures lack facial features but exude mythological themes. Ochre was primarily used as pigment by early humans for rock art and body painting; evidence of prehistoric ochre mining has been discovered in Sahara sites. This awe-inspiring image not only offers insight into our prehistoric past but also highlights Africa's diverse wildlife and natural environment. It serves as a reminder of humanity's enduring fascination with mythology and our innate connection with nature throughout history.
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