Photo Gallery

These enigmatic threefold spirals in the Wadi Djerat were etched in rock with a simple stone wedge next to the imposing engraving of a rhinoceros on the northern Tassili Plateau, Algeria.

Antique engraved version of "the origin of the world" (Oued Djerat / Tassili-n-Ajjer / Algeria)

The Oued Djerat is a wadi located south of Illizi. It leads through a remote rock valley in the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park, which has thousands of rock paintings, mostly rock paintings, but also petroglyphs. The picture gallery stretches for many kilometres. What is unusual in this region is that the pictures are particularly large. Giraffes alone are depicted on an area of 100 m², the largest of which measures eight metres. The discovery for the public dates back to 1934, when the French officer Brenans stopped at this place with his troop and came across the drawings of rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and giraffes. The French explorer Henri Lhote picked up the thread and discovered thousands of other drawings, which he studied scientifically. The petroglyphs date back to the Neolithic period and show similarities to those in the provinces of Oran (Algeria) and Fessan (Libya). According to Henri Lhote, they date back more than 7000 years. - Algeria - 1966

Tuareg nomad camp in the Oued Djerat in the Tassili Mountains. - Algeria - 1962

On the Fadnoun plateau in the "Parc National du Tassili", you come across a large rock slab full of engravings: giraffes, antelopes, ostriches as well as human figures, but above all the famous, five-metre-long cow that people carved into this rock slab thousands of years ago. – Tin-Terhert - Oued Djerat - Algeria - 1962

If you walk along the Wadi Djerat in the Tassili n'Ajjer, on its left bank you come across a stone known only to the Tuareg. If you pick it up, you will see the carefully oiled imprint of a human foot underneath. For the blue men there is no doubt: this is the mark left by their oldest ancestor when he came to this land. To prevent the precious relic from weathering, each visitor reverently brushes it with oil and places the stone on it again (length 22 cm). - Algeria - 1962

2 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Spirals with the same direction of winding. This type of engraving is common and generally seen as a symbol of fertility. Radius of the large spiral: 0.36 m. Radius of the small sphere: 0.085 m.

2 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – (original photo) Spirals with the same direction of winding. This type of engraving is common and generally seen as a symbol of fertility. Radius of the large spiral: 0.36 m. Radius of the small sphere: 0.085 m.

7 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Triple spiral. In contrast to the spiral in photo 2, the elegance of this engraving stands out. The two figures at the bottom result from two lines that start at their center and move in opposite directions. The work was done on a horizontal slab.

336 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A large bubale (antelope) engraved, with the tips of its horns separated by 1 m. This "leading fossil" of the oldest rock art is beautifully rendered here and corresponds to what animal paleontology teaches us. It is overlaid with a very beautiful double spiral and other unremarkable graffiti.

337 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A typical landscape of this conservatory of ancient images of vanished peoples. On the horizontal slab, large oxen are engraved with deep strokes.

338 - Oued Djérat (Afar-Mellah, Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A large bubale (Peloroois antiquus Duv.) engraved, with a kneeling (?) figure behind it, holding its right hand toward its tail. On the head, one can distinguish either bristling hair or feathers. A belt with three stripes is clearly visible.

339 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A large engraved ox, whose brow has been redone twice. A newer spiral surmounts it as if to summon the arrival of water.

340 - Oued Djérat (rock shelter between Aha and Anafeg, Tassili-n'Ajjer). - A painted chariot, drawn by two horses, galloping in a "flying gallop." This may be a battle scene, with men lying in front of the chariot. The ochre painting shows the driver in a good posture, but how could he balance on the platform?

341 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Another chariot in the "flying gallop," painted in ochre. The perspective is better observed here, as the reins go directly from the driver's hands to the necks of the two horses. The axle ends in two wheels with four spokes. Three spears inclined forward seem to be fixed on the platform. Two dogs run alongside the chariot. Below, three men in short tunics carry shields. Three others precede the horses: they are armed with spears and shields. One of them has a head resembling that of a dog.

342 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, between Aha and Anafeg). - Ochre painting of a chariot with three horses. The perspective is incorrect: the chariot appears to be flying above the horses. This chariot period marks the peak of the Horse Period. Large figure on the left. On the right, a small figure that is difficult to observe.

343 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, between Aha and Anafeg). - Large bovine painted in red ochre. It partly obscures a chariot, and the number of horses is hard to determine. Above the bovine's back, there is a small quadruped painted in white and red. It is followed by men, who are preceded by a little devil. A white square is found at the center of the ox. Its explanation has yet to be found.

344 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Chariot engraved in "flying gallop." The driver seems to be thrown backward. The wheels on the right side have four spokes, while those on the left have six. From whip (?) to horse's nose, the distance is 0.72 m.

344 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - (original photo) Chariot engraved in "flying gallop." The driver seems to be thrown backward. The wheels on the right side have four spokes, while those on the left have six. From whip (?) to horse's nose, the distance is 0.72 m.

345 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, guelta de Tin-Smad). - Engraved chariot drawn by two horses, shown in a "flat" view and positioned oppositely relative to the yoke. Width of the panel shown: 0.65 m.

346 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Tin-Smad). - Engraved chariot of good quality, showing the difficulty of standing on a small platform while galloping, whether flying or not. Two spears are fixed to the floor of the chariot. From the driver’s head to the front hooves: 0.72 m.

347 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, shelter between Aha and Anafeg). - Painted chariot with three horses. The platform seems independent of the driver. The reins are anachronistically depicted. Dark brown figures are in front of the chariot, two of which carry sticks.

348 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, same shelter). - Bovid, two-toned in red and white, moving from left to right. A deer (?) is visible at the top left. Below, there is a procession of figures in short tunics.

349 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, same shelter). - Bovid, antelopes, and various animals painted in ochre and white. On the right, warriors with spears are visible. Very fine painting with ochre, ranging from dark brown to a wine-red tone. A man armed with a spear also holds a strange object ending in a hook, which is common in this area.

350 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, same shelter). - White and ochre paintings depicting horned bovids with lyre-shaped horns. The central figure appears to wear, like in Ouan Amil, a cape or stole falling from the shoulder. On the left, a cow with clearly depicted udders. Note the extensive representation of figures with long or short tunics, but tightly cinched at the waist.

351 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, near Aha-Anafeg). - The famous engraved archer has a stylized figure. He wears a headgear and holds a bow as if he has just shot an arrow. He might have a lightly fringed cape on his back. The belt, formed by a double line, extends with a floating tail. It appears that he carries a phallic sheath inserted into the belt, leaving the testicles exposed, as some regional ethnographies still show. Note the double spiral in the left corner and modern graffiti.

352 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved warrior inspired by the previous engraving. However, the head this time is that of a cynocephalus (dog-headed figure). The legs are well-rendered. The belt consists of six lines. The bow is held by its wood in the left hand. Curiously, only the toes of the left foot are engraved. The man is followed by a dog.

353 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - At the junction of the Oued Touloult lies this depiction, which is linked to a very ancient fertility cult, now only visited by lonely nomads. Such representations are often degraded. For further explanation, see the chapter titled: "History of a False Idea. Sex and the Desert." (See: SAR-007B)

354 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved subjects of different ages; the ungulate on the right is thus "accidentally" facing a figure engraved with a lighter stroke, probably wearing a loincloth.

355 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Finely engraved calf with polished head, belly, and legs. The hooves are well observed. Around the neck, a necklace with a pendant. The head of a sheep hidden by the calf appears at the chest level.

356 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, between Tin-Smad and the confluence of the Oued Touloult). - Ox - fat, with short legs and a massive body. The head, however, is quite normal, and at the neck, a collar ends with a long pendant. On the right, the rear of another "fat" ox is visible, and beneath it, an elegant giraffe deeply engraved.

357 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - The engraving of the bovine head above is of superior craftsmanship. It is topped by another, more awkward and later head. This one is dotted.

358 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Bovine engraved with lines. One ear passes under the right horn.

359 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved ox whose coat is depicted by alternating polished and dotted areas.

360 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Head of a bovine engraved by pitting and finished with lines through friction. One would expect to hear it moo.

361 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved ox with a very long ear and horns bent forward. Sketch made by pitting, finished with lines. Traces of internal polishing.

362 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved hyena. The line is awkward, and it is likely a later work. But the animal is easily recognizable by its snout and mane.

363 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Sheep, easily identifiable. The hind legs are perfectly drawn. The depiction of the head approximates the natural curve of the muzzle.

364 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved scene of ritual intercourse. The male character, whose head is located at the top left, is a therianthrope, with only its left leg having something human about it. The head of the woman he is mating with is neither animal nor human. See the chapter "The History of a False Idea: Sex and the Desert". (See: SAR-007B)

365 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Drawing from a photo of an engraved rhinoceros. The head has always posed a problem for both engravers and painters.

365 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - (original photo) Drawing from a photo of an engraved rhinoceros. The head has always posed a problem for both engravers and painters.

366 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, confluence of the Wadi Touloult) – When one realizes that the spirals, like the rhinoceros, were engraved using only stone flakes, one can only admire the two triple spirals and the rhinoceros at the bottom, on the left thigh of which a clumsy artist tried to replicate the same masterpiece. There are also more spirals at the top.

The T4 mission team in front of the engravings of the spirals in the Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). From the left: a Touareg, Edouard Bois de Chesne, commissioned by television to make a five-part film series about the Sahara, Mrs Eva Bruggmann, Pascal Pol, Sylvio Acatos, journalist, and Maximilien Bruggmann, head of Mission T4.

367 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Two rhinoceroses: one large and one small, engraved with fine lines. The larger one has exaggerated horns and its sex is emphasized. The main engravings of the so-called "Ethiopian" large fauna bring us back to the Neolithic. Essential parts of it will disappear with it.

368 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Engraved rhinoceros with highly exaggerated horns. It seems that these horns were retouched at a later time, restoring the engraver’s full artistry and giving the rhinoceros its precise form. From tail to horn, it measures 1.75 meters in length.

369 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Schematic rhinoceros engraved with a deep line.

370 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Late period. Engraved rhinoceros with a head larger than the body.

371 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Rhinoceros walking in a possible charging position. Note how the front horn is connected to the snout.

372 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Drawing of a naturalistic rhinoceros by Maximilien Bruggmann.

372 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – (original photo) Drawing of a naturalistic rhinoceros by Maximilien Bruggmann.

373 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Engraving of a rhinoceros defecating. The position of the ears, like the front horn, gives this animal an unexpected appearance.

374 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer) – Magnificent engraved giraffe head. The outline, initially dotted, was finished with a smoothing stone. The interior was decorated with dotted lines.

375 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Tin-Smad). - Full body of the Tin-Smad giraffe, whose head is the subject of the previous photo (374). In fact, the body is less well rendered by the engraver than the head.

376 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Tin-Smad region). - Other giraffes engraved with different coats. At the top right, a dressed and bent figure.

377 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Antelope engraved on a very weathered rock. The head is difficult to describe.

378 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Deeply engraved dog (?). The depiction of the animal with its head turned is quite rare and gives grace to the engraving.

379 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Antelope or goat. The deeply engraved animal is highly stylized. The coat is represented by a series of engraved lines. Note the spirals, one with two turns and the other, more irregular, with only one.

380 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved Addax (?). The lines are regular and shallow. The design was pre-punched.

381 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Antelope (?). The coat is rendered by vertical lines.

382 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved elephant with "butterfly ears." It is located at the beginning of the Oued Abezza.

383 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Oued Abezza). - Another engraved elephant. The trunk is ridged. The forehead is too sloping. The tusks are tiny.

384 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved elephant. The trunk is drawn towards the lower jaw. The eye is depicted "Indian style." The elephant's legs are surmounted by an engraved ostrich.

385 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Elephant with dotted outline. Note the presence of the sex.

386 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Oued Abezza). - Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann, based on an engraving of an elephant.

386 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer, Oued Abezza). - (original photo) Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann, based on an engraving of an elephant.

387 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Beautiful engraving of a large elephant. The ears are squared with lines, but the eyes are shown flat on the same plane!

388 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Herd of ostriches, deeply engraved. The animals are roughly depicted. These birds might explain the feathers often found in the headgear of men.

389 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Superficially dotted ostrich. There is evidence that the ostrich survived long beyond the fertile period.

390 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Engraved birds. Their beaks do not allow identification as ostriches.

391 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - On an isolated rock, this extraordinary frieze of birds is discovered. Likely pelicans. There are about a dozen birds, but only the head has been depicted.

392 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Finally came the camel! In the final phase of the Sahara's fertility. The horse itself disappeared. In the Sahara, the dromedary (wrongly called "camel"), the donkey, and the goat remain. The current harshness of the climate and the difficulty of survival fully explain the extreme poverty of camel art.

393 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Tuareg warrior. Modern ethnography accounts for the entire equipment of both man and beast.

394 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Modern "camel" (Camelus dromedarius) as seen by the inhabitants of the Sahara.

394 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - (original photo) Modern "camel" (Camelus dromedarius) as seen by the inhabitants of the Sahara.

395 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Tuareg warriors. The armament of the descendants of Berber immigrants was formidable: spear, javelin, sword known as "takouba", arm dagger, antelope skin shield.

396 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Since the men in tight tunics, the Sahara has been a vast battlefield. The "lancer" depicted here must be quite ancient. Moreover, the Tuaregs had long imposed taxes on those who wished to pass through their territory peacefully.

397 - Oued Djérat (Tassili-n'Ajjer). - Nevertheless, the legends grafted onto ancient myths have never ceased to be in circulation. More than a theriocephalus, the figure shown here evokes a devil and refers to a hundred legends about the "djinn."