Tassili N’Ajjer, Land Of Prehistoric Art In The Middle Of The Desert

The Tassili n’Ajjer area in Algeria is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site. It is in the middle of the Sahara Desert and has a unique mix of beautiful natural landscapes, ancient rock art, and archaeological wonders. This article describes the Tassili n’Ajjer through a set of stamps issued by Algeria in 1983.  The stamps describe the people of the region, the different animals and plants that live there. They also cover the amazing prehistoric paintings and archaeological finds that make it a treasure of history and natural beauty.

Geographical Location:

Tassili n’Ajjer is a huge area in the southeast of Algeria that covers about 72,000 square kilometers. It is in the middle of the Sahara Desert. To the east, it borders Libya, and to the south, it borders Niger. This remote and rough area has tall sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and large areas of rocky desert scenery.

Population of the Tassili n’Ajjer area in Algeria:

The people who live in the Tassili n’Ajjer region are mostly from different Tuareg groups, who have kept their nomadic ways alive for hundreds of years. 

These hardy people who live in the desert have kept their nomadic ways alive for hundreds of years. The Tuareg, traditionally nomadic pastoralists, are able to get around thanks to their knowledge of the environment and their animals.

Animals and plants:

Even though Tassili n’Ajjer is a dry place, it is home to an amazing variety of animals and plants. Animals that are used to living in the desert, like fennec foxes, dorcas gazelles, and Barbary sheep, roam the rough terrain, and birds, like bustards and eagles, fly above. Acacia trees, date palms, and other hardy desert plants are able to survive in the harsh climate of the desert. They provide shade and food for animals and nomadic people.

Prehistoric Paintings:

One of the most interesting things about Tassili n’Ajjer is its large collection of ancient rock art. There are more than 15,000 different rock art sites in the area. They show vivid pictures of people, animals, hunting scenes, and rites. These old paintings give us a glimpse into the lives, ideas, and artistic styles of early people who used to live in the area. The art shows that early people in the Sahara had a rich culture history and were connected to each other.

Archaeological Discoveries:

Not only does Tassili n’Ajjer have beautiful rock art, but it has also been the site of important historical finds. Archaeologists have found tools, pottery, and ruins of ancient villages, which tell us more about the ancient cultures that lived in the area. The cave burials of Garamantes are one of the most important finds because they show how people buried their dead and performed other cultural rites.

In conclusion, Tassili n’Ajjer is a fascinating place with stunning natural beauty, a wide variety of wildlife, and a rich culture history. With its prehistoric rock art, archaeological treasures, and harsh desert landscapes, this amazing region gives tourists a unique chance to connect with the past and be amazed by the Sahara.

Catalogue Reference: Yvert & Tellier 794 to 797.