Engraved giraffe, Dabous, Niger

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Dabous is situated in north-eastern Niger, where the Ténéré desert converges with the Aïr Mountains. This area has been an integral part of the trans-Saharan caravan trade for over two thousand years, but archaeological findings indicate that human presence dates back a staggering eight thousand years. Recently, Dabous has gained recognition for its outstanding rock art. Two giraffes, believed to be one large male positioned in front of a smaller female, are engraved on the weathered surface of a sandstone outcrop and are estimated to be up to eight thousand years old. The larger giraffe measures five point four meters in height and showcases several techniques of production, including scraping, smoothing, and deep engraving of the outlines. Over eight hundred engravings are scattered throughout the outcrop, featuring antelopes, giraffes, ostriches, rhinoceros, horses, camels, and cattle. 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