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

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

Descent to the Oued Tanakom - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Still life in the dunes of Tanakom - Aïr - Niger - 2002

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.

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