The Velvet Rocket/Las Geel paintings

[ToughGong]

Las Geel is arguably Somaliland’s pièce de résistance. Were it not in Somaliland this site would immediately be declared a World Heritage Site.

Representing humans and animals, hundreds of remarkable neolithic rock art paintings in perfect condition adorn the walls of several interconnected caves and shelters. Some paintings exceed one meter in length and their state of preservation is exceptional. This significant site was only brought to light in 2003, following research conducted by a team of French archaeologists.

It is about 50km from Hargeisa, along the road to Berbera (the turn-off is at Dhubato village and Las Geel is several miles down the road.)


This the hill that contains the Las Geel site:


Some of the artwork within the cave… The painting below depicts a cow:



With many of these, your interpretation is just as legitimate as that of anyone else. The archaeologists have no special insight into the artists or what they were depicting:



The painting below depicts a lion on the back of a cow and it is thought that the human figure standing behind the animals is shooting an arrow at the lion. Again, open to interpretation…



Here is a diagram of the ceiling left at the site by the French archaeologists… This makes it easier to get a sense of just how much art is actually inside the caves:

[ToughGong]

The cave exit – carrying on farther up the hill:



The view from the highest cave:



And more artwork inside:


Even the nooks have painting on the walls

[Dhaga Bacayl]

Have you been there couz?

There are also Gacan Libaax caves on the other side of the highway to berbera.

[ToughGong]

You know what, I had an oppotuniy to go there once,but I declined
I was rushing to Berebra Airpor to pick up my little nipper
Next time I go back home though I'm definitly making time for it

[Skippa]

those painting look to depict watusi cattle

[ToughGong]

^
Known as The Cattle of Kings

[Cirwaaq]

The Tutsi still have similar breeds which need more grass and water.

Someone needs to post a few cows from the regions that still keep cattle.

Picture from the net:



The amazing thing is 5000-8000 years ago the people who lived in the horn manufactured cotton garments depicted in the paintings, while people who lived closer to the centre of the continent were naked only hounder years or so ago when the europeans arrived.

[ToughGong]

Someone needs to post a few cows from the regions that still keep cattle.

Picture from the net:



The amazing thing is 5000-8000 years ago the people who lived in the horn manufactured cotton garments depicted in the paintings, while people who lived closer to the centre of the continent were naked only hounder years or so ago when the europeans arrived.

[Cirwaaq]

Much appreciated brother