“Africa’s rock art is the common heritage of all Africans, but it is more than that. It is the common heritage of humanity.” Nelson Mandela
Somalilandsun – Somaliland once known as British Somaliland is home to one of the most exceptional rock art sites in the whole of East Africa found in a remarkable site called Las Geel which is located between Hargeisa and Wajaale/Berbera.
This consists of a number of rock shelters some of which are covered in rock paintings of stylized cows, bulls and human figures, believed to date from at least 3,000 years ago. Other important rock art sites are at a place called Dhaga Kouri where there are many painted shelters from the Pastoral period of art.
According to the late African and world ICON Nelson Mandela “Africa’s rock art is the common heritage of all Africans, but it is more than that. It is the common heritage of humanity.” And Somaliland is proud to be part and parcel of this heritage.
Trust for African Rock Art-TARA, based in Nairobi, documents & safeguards Africa’s ancient rock paintings & engravings, humankind’s earliest artistic and cultural expressions.
For a pictorial tour visit Tara Africa Rock Art Gallery/Somaliland
