Dabous Giraffes
Niger · Africa
Two life-size giraffes engraved on a Saharan outcrop — among the finest animal petroglyphs on Earth.
Age
~8,000 yrs
Period
Neolithic
Setting
Open-air
Art form
Petroglyphs
Discovered
1987
Status
Open (Remote Desert Access)
On a rock platform in the Ténéré desert of Niger, two giraffes were engraved near life-size with astonishing skill, the larger over five metres tall. A fine incised line runs from the giraffes’ muzzles to small human figures, and the panel is celebrated as one of the world’s greatest rock engravings.
Gallery
Notable Features
- ◦ Near life-size engraved giraffes
- ◦ Masterful Neolithic technique
- ◦ Leash-like lines to human figures
Depicted Subjects
GiraffesHuman FiguresOstriches
Plan a Visit
AccessThis cave can be visited.
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.