The Sahara

Archaeological research on Neolithic Saharan sites, including Tadrart Acacus and Tassili-n-Ajjer, reveals significant insights into the symbolic representation of pastoral life through figurines. The study highlights that zoomorphic figurines, particularly those depicting cattle, dominate this period (7000–4000 years ago), reflecting deep symbolic meaning within Saharan Neolithic ideology. Additionally, anthropomorphic figurines suggest a focus on human wholeness and identity. The research employs comparative analysis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations to explore manufacturing processes and their cultural significance, providing a nuanced understanding of Neolithic art and its pastoral context.

Barich, B. E. (2017). The Sahara. In T. Insoll (Editor), Oxford Handbooks Online. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199675616.013.006