Region Tin-Merzouga in Tadrart - Algeria

Niger - Tadrart - Site In-Djaren - Giraffe painted in a shelter, width 43 cm

Niger - Tadrart - Site In-Djaren - Rock isolated with 8 carved elephants

Algeria - Moul n'Aga - Landscape in Tadrart

The fuming dune - Moul n´Aga / Tadrart / Algeria

Dune and single tree - In-Djaren / Tadrart / Algeria

Dance of dressed women, rock painting (Tadrart / Algeria)

Sand pyramid
This tree has to feel quite lonely in this mineral universe.
Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djaren - 1993

In the midday heat
Piton and landscape with a camel skeleton of which only the skull remains.
Algeria - Tadrart - Tin-Merzouga - 1993

Art in the desert Natural rock sculptures between Djanet and the cliffs in the south of the Tassili. Algeria - South Tassili - 1993

Landscape in the Tadrart, in the south-east of Algeria, in the region of El Beridij. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Such cliffs were in prehistory, and are even today, preferred places for people looking for a place to live. A settlement at El Beridij is located at the end of the cliff on the right. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Detail from the previous photo. Engravings from the cattle age, but very difficult to read. The anatomical accuracy here is extremely remarkable. Five cattle are identified. Algeria - Tadrart - El Beridij - 1993

Another shelter in the El Beridij area of the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

A deer (?) being pursued by a dog (Sloughi?). From the snout of the animal to the tail of the dog: 0.55 m in length. Algeria - Tadrart - El Beridij - 1993

The wind took centuries or even millennia to create this rock sculpture. Algeria - Tadrart - El Beridij - 1993

Impressive landscape n the region between El Beridij and Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Impressive landscape with the dunes of Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

In the dunes of Moul n'Aga... Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Sparse plant growth in the dunes of Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Impressive landscape with the dunes of Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

The mysterious island mountain of Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Impressive landscape with the dunes of Moul n'Aga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

The cathedral of Tamesguida in Tadrart. The rocks were formed by the constant wind. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Dune Carousel in the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Wind-sculpted rock in the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

A "smoking dune" in the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Rocky desert and dunes in the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Ouan Zouaten (Tadrart, In-Djaren region). - Representation of engraved cattle. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Ouan Zouaten (Tadrart, In-Djaren region). - Depiction of engraved cattle. Width of the group depicted : 2.50 m. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

On a large pyramid rock is an engraved fresco showing eight elephants. Cattle Epoch. Flat engraving created by chipping with remarkable accuracy. The last elephant is in the process of defecating. Below is a frieze of figures also engraved, but at a later date. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djaren - 1993

On another side of the same pyramid rock is engraved a group of giraffes. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djars - 1993

Three men with shaved heads and beards. Two are looking to the left, the third to the right. The middle and right figures are depicted with erect penises. One of them holds a spear, all have a European profile. From head to toe, the right figure is 0.70 m tall. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djaren - 1993

Typical landscape with the orange sand, Bou Ediane region. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Two engraved giraffes of good quality. The tails are curled. The body is completely engraved. The front legs are in the position of the giraffe drinking. From the horns to the front hoof of the left animal: 0.95 m. Algeria - Tadrart - Guelta Bou Ediane - 1993

Dune in the morning light at Ouan Zouaten. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Animals have left traces in the red sand. Region between Bou Ediane and the Grotto of the Viper. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Region between Bou Ediane and the Grotto of the Viper. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Region between Bou Ediane and the Grotto of the Viper. A nomad is on the move with his packed donkeys. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Landscape near Tin-Merzouga. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

In the midday heat. Rocks and landscape with a camel skeleton of which only the skull remains. Algeria - Tadrart - Tin-Merzouga - 1993

Weathered rocks and dunes in the Tin-Merzouga region. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Rock sculpture in Wadi Tin-Tehak. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Landscape between Tin-Tehak and Ouan Zouaten. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Tufts of grass, sand and rocks at Tan-Ekli. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Desert landscape near Tan-Ekli. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

A burial tumulus near Tan-Ekli. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Several burial tumulus can be found in the Tan-Ekli region. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Desert landscape near Tan-Ekli. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

This plant, called torha, is a toxic plant for camels. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Pyramid of sand. How lonely this tree must feel in this mineral universe. Algeria - Tadrart - In-Djaren - 1993

Dune in the Ouan Zouaten region. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Amazing frieze depicting high quality engraved cows in the best naturalistic style. The pinned contours form circles that reproduce the animals' fur. Between the legs of the cow in the centre is a very small figure. Algeria - Tadrart - Tan-Ekli - 1993

On the left is a man carrying a pot. In front of him, three giraffes are walking in the same direction as him. The giraffes and the man begin to sand up. From the horn of the giraffe on the right to the sand level: about 1.70 m. Algeria - Tadrart - Tin Abedine - 1993

Tufts of grass, sand and rocks at Tin-Inabaden. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Rock slab with engravings and a probable mill hole. Algeria - Tadrart - In Djaren - 1993

Shelter in the area of In Djaren. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Overview of the shelter with an engraved elephant in the next picture. Algeria - Tadrart - In Djaren - 1993

Engraving of an elephant in In Djaren. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

In Djaren. - The shelter of the painted giraffe in the next picture. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

When one realises with what simple means this masterpiece was executed, one can only marvel. This giraffe painted with red ochre is truly amazing. In addition, the work, which was created in a shelter, does not receive any direct light. Size 43 cm. Algeria - Tadrart - In Djaren - 1993

Desert and tree in the Tisseteka region. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Blooming desert! Tisseteka Region. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Where the roots of plants find the sparse water in the soil, life thrives in the desert. The valley of Tisseteka. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Shelter in the valley of Tisseteka. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Beautiful fresco painted on the ceiling of a shelter in Tisseteka. Cattle with lyre-shaped or hanging horns. The fur of an animal in the centre left is rendered by stippling. A large bovine animal in the lower half is lying with one leg bent against its belly. Width of the panel depicted: 0.75 m. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

A young acacia tree has been able to develop in this inhospitable area around Mount Issoudad, between Djanet and the Tadrart. Algeria - Tadrart - 1993

Chapter 5: TADRART - Algeria

This rock formation, the so-called ‘Cathedral’ of Tamesguida, is located in the Algerian Tadrart. The rocks were formed by the constant wind.

The Tassili Tadrart (also known as the Red Tadrart) is the southern extension of the Tadrart Acacus. It is located in the south-east of Algeria, bordering Libya to the east and the Niger to the south. The mountain range is criss-crossed by west-east orientated, gorge-like wadis, of which In Djaren is the largest. The Tassili Tadrart has magnificent rock paintings that cover a long chronological span from the early Neolithic to modern times. Walls and overhangs at the bottom of the wadis are littered with rock paintings and rock engravings that document the climate change of the area from a savannah 10,000 years ago to a desert 5,000 years ago. The rock art changed over time from wild fauna such as elephants, rhinos, giraffes, antelopes, wild cattle to domesticated animals such as sheep, horses and finally camels.

286 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - The cliffs have been, in prehistory and even up to today, favored places by humans seeking a habitat. One site of El Beridj is located at the end of the rocky spur to the right. Photos 287 and 288.

287 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Bubaline age engravings, but very difficult to read. The anatomical precision is quite remarkable here. Five bovid species are identified, and on the right, a later depiction of a giraffe. Width of the panel: 4 m.

288 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Detail from the previous photo.

289 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Return to the “diabolo” type of man. This fresco, painted in red ochre and white paint, is located in a deep shelter with a low ceiling. Figures can be seen, including a rider, dogs, goats... A figure painted in white (the “Kokopelli,” according to ethnographers of the Native Americans) playing a flute. Height: 0.15 m.

290 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - At the entrance of the shelter, a hunting scene with a mouflon. It is attacked by three dogs, two red and one white, of which it is unclear whether they are Sloughis. From the tip of the horn to the tail: 0.20 m.

291 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Large fresco painted in red ochre and white. It measures 2.50 m in width. A large number of bovid species are painted. The animals are on average 0.20 m to 0.25 m in length. Their execution is sometimes very fine (see the red bull, at the top left of the center).

292 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Deer (?) chased by a dog (Sloughi?). From the animal's muzzle to the dog's tail: 0.55 m in length.

293 - El Beridj (Tadrart). - Beautiful naturalistic engraving of great ethnographic interest, as while bovids interest us because of the beauty of the lines, engraved containers are extremely rare: if one is found, characterized by its opening, it could be dated. In that case, we would also have the age of the engraving. Width of the block presented: about 2 m.

294 - Merkadaoui (Tadrart). - Remarkably painted sheep (?). From the hind leg to the animal's muzzle: 0.25 m.

295 - Merkadaoui (Tadrart). - Red ochre fresco, isolating the sheep from the previous painting.

296 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Red ochre fresco. Character with a short tunic at the top; with a long tunic at the bottom. The upper figures are exchanging weapons. The lower figure, wearing a long tunic (a woman?), holds unidentified objects. In the lower right corner, a figure raises a stick with one hand and touches an animal with the other. The man in the upper left is 0.17 m tall.

297 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - The red ochre painting of a woman being dressed by others is already known and pertains to the same pastoral ethnic group. In fact, the picture has two groups: the left group shows a woman at her toilette, while the right one depicts a character holding a stick or long object. The scene is difficult to interpret. The panel measures 0.55 m.

298 - Tan Ekli (Tadrart). - Astonishing frieze showing cows engraved in the best naturalistic style of high quality. The dotted contours form circles that allow the depiction of the animals' coat. Between the legs of the bovine, whose rear end is the only part visible, there is a very small figure.

299 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Shelter. Spearman (?). This figure, painted in white, is in the style of Ouan Amil (photo 215): same morphology and same style.

300 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Shelter. Javelin thrower (?): The javelin appears in one of the man's hands. The movement of quick walking is well rendered. Height from head to foot: 0.17 m.

301 - ln Djaren (Tadrart). - Shelter. A fresco in red ochre depicting a therocéphale with a head topped by an oblong sphere. It appears to hold a club in its left hand. Behind it are strange animals, the largest of which, despite appearances, is merely an ungulate.

302 - Ou an Ouksem (Tadrart). - Shelter. A fresco of bovids from the "bovid" period painted in white and red. In the top right, one bovid is above another. The panel shown measures 1.10 m in width.

303 - Ouan Ouksem (Tadrart). - Shelter. Two figures walking (perhaps talking?) painted in red ochre. The figure on the left measures 0.15 m in height from head to foot.

304 - Ouan Ouksem (Tadrart). - Shelter. A large fresco of sheep painted in white. In the lower left, a figure with raised arms may be a later addition. The height of the figure is 0.07 m.

305 - ln Djaren (Tadrart). - Shelter. Considering the basic tools used to create this masterpiece, one can only be amazed. This giraffe, painted in red ochre, is truly surprising. It is also noteworthy that the work, done in a shelter, does not receive direct light. Length 0.43 m.

306 - ln Djaren. - The shelter of the painted giraffe. Photo 305.

307 - ln Djaren (Tadrart). - On a large pyramidal rock, there is an engraved fresco showing eight elephants. From the "bubale" period. The engraving is shallow, executed through pitting with remarkable attention to accuracy. The last elephant is defecating. Below, there is a frieze of figures also engraved, but at a later date.

308 - Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann showing how the engraver depicted the last elephant in photo 307.

308 - (original photo) Drawing by Maximilien Bruggmann showing how the engraver depicted the last elephant in photo 307.

309 - ln Djaren South (Tadrart). - A carved elephant charging a hunter wearing an "Ouan Amil" hat. The man holds a weapon. A second elephant appears in the background. The distance from the back leg of the elephant to the front foot of the man is 1.05 m.

310 - ln Djaren (pyramidal rock, Tadrart). - Three men with shaved heads and beards. Two look to the left, the third to the right. The figure in the middle and the one on the right are ithyphallic. One of them holds a spear, all have an Europoid profile. The height of the right figure from head to foot is 0.70 m.

311 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Small rabbit with a very distinctive profile. It looks to the left. Life size.

312 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Fish shown from different perspectives: one in profile, another, which is very rare, from an aerial view. This highlights the engravers’ familiarity with aquatic fauna. From the head to the tip of the tail of the large fish: 0.50 m.

313 - In Djaren (Tadrart). - Bovids licking their left rear foot. The engraving by puncturing is astonishingly precise. From the front hoof to the base of the tail: 0.67 m.

314 - Ouan Zouaten (Tadrart, region of In Djaren). - Procession of engraved bovids. Width of the depicted panel: 2.50 m.

315 - Bou Ediane (Tadrart, region of In Djaren). - Rock painting under a shelter showing many figures, all wearing a short tunic tightly fastened at the waist or a long one. The height differences among the figures may be an attempt to respect perspective? Quite a few animals. Men armed with a stick or spear. Heads in the “hyphen” style. The tallest figure, on the left, is 0.42 m in height.

316 - Bou Ediane (region of In Djaren, Tadrart). - Figures with long or short tunics, painted in red or white. The one on the right appears to be holding a spear and a rectangular shield. The one on the left, painted white, holds a bow in the left hand and wears three feathers on its head. The white tunic reaches down to the feet. The white figure is 0.40 m tall.

317 - Bou Ediane (Tadrart, Shelter). - Antelope painted in red and white. Below, a very thin cow, with its udders clearly highlighted. From the front legs to the back legs: 0.60 m.

318 - Bou Ediane (Tadrart, Guelta). – Two well-preserved spotted giraffes. Their tails are curled. The body is entirely dotted. The front legs are in the drinking position of a giraffe. A horn on the front hoof of the left animal: 0.95 m.

320 - Tin Abedine (Tadrart). – To the left, a man holding a pot, followed by three giraffes going in the same direction as him. The giraffes and the man are beginning to sink seriously into the sand. From the horn of the right giraffe to the level of the sand: about 1.70 m.

321 - Ouan Adjane (Tadrart). – Ceiling of a shelter with bovid paintings in two colors. Width of the depicted panel: 0.95 m.

322 - Ouan Adjane (Tadrart). – White-painted figures with curious trilobed heads. The central figure holds a stick and seems to threaten the figure on the left. The figure on the right is only remarkable for the appendage hanging between its legs. Width of the depicted panel: 0.45 m.

323 - Tisseteka (Tadrart). – Yellow ochre-painted giraffe. The hind legs are highly exaggerated. From the hind hoof to the head: 0.30 m.

324 - Tisseteka (Tadrart). – Beautiful fresco painted on the ceiling of a shelter. Bovids with lyre-shaped or hanging horns. The coat of an animal in the middle left is represented by dotted lines. A large bovid at the bottom is lying with one leg folded against its belly. Width of the depicted panel: 0.75 m.

Photo Gallery

Chapter 5: TADRART - Algeria