Dabous giraffes
petroglyph, Niger
Quick Summary
petroglyph
The Dabous giraffes, a Neolithic petroglyph in north-central Niger.
The Dabous giraffes are a famous example of petroglyphs located in north-central Niger. These rock carvings, depicting two life-size giraffes, suggest that the Sahara region was once a wetter, more hospitable environment capable of supporting such large animals. Lines extending from the giraffes' mouths or noses toward human figures are a motif found in other Saharan rock art, though their exact meaning remains unclear to scholars. This type of rock art provides valuable insights into the past climate and life in the region.1
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