Mouse Mat > Africa > Libya > Libya Heritage Sites > Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
Mouse Mat : Elephant Petroglyph, Libya
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Elephant Petroglyph, Libya
Petroglyph (rock engraving) of elephants in the Tadrart-Acacus region of Libya. The oldest petroglyphs are dated to approximately the Neolithic and late Upper Paleolithic boundary, about 10, 000 - 12, 000 years ago during a period when the Sahara was in a wet, savannah phase. In this image the figures of the elephants have been incised on rock coated with desert varnish, a dark veneer found on exposed rock surfaces in arid environments. Desert varnish forms only on physically stable rock surfaces that are no longer subject to frequent precipitation, fracturing or wind abrasion. The varnish is primarily composed of particles of clay along with iron and manganese oxides. There is also a host of trace elements and almost always some organic matter. The colour of the varnish varies from shades of brown to black. Here the varnish has been etched away to reveal the natural rock colour below
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6315433
© David Parker
Clay Elephant Etched Iron Libya Manganese Neolithic Oxide Paleolithic Petroglyph Rock Sahara Savannah Acacus Desert Varnish Rock Carving Rock Engraving Tadrart
Mouse Mat
A high quality photographic print manufactured into a durable wipe clean mouse mat (27x22cm) with a non slip backing, which works with all mice.
Archive quality photographic print in a durable wipe clean mouse mat with non slip backing. Works with all computer mice
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 25.4cm x 21.8cm (10" x 8.6")
Estimated Product Size is 26.9cm x 21.8cm (10.6" x 8.6")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases an ancient petroglyph, a rock engraving, depicting elephants in the Tadrart-Acacus region of Libya. These remarkable carvings date back approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago when the Sahara Desert experienced a wetter and more savannah-like climate. The image reveals how the figures of these majestic creatures were meticulously incised onto rocks coated with desert varnish. Desert varnish is a dark veneer that forms on stable rock surfaces in arid environments devoid of frequent precipitation or wind abrasion. Composed primarily of clay particles, iron and manganese oxides, it also contains trace elements and organic matter. Varying in color from shades of brown to black, this natural phenomenon adds an intriguing layer to the etched surface. In this particular photograph, the desert varnish has been expertly etched away to unveil the underlying natural rock color beneath it. This process allows us to appreciate both the intricate details of these ancient engravings and their connection to a bygone era when elephants roamed freely across what is now barren desert terrain. The significance of this petroglyph lies not only in its artistic value but also as evidence of human interaction with nature during prehistoric times. It serves as a testament to our ancestors' ability to document their surroundings through creative expression while providing valuable insights into past climates and ecosystems within this vast Saharan landscape.
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