Saharan Hunter-Gatherers: Specialization and Diversification in Holocene Southwestern Libya

Archaeological and rock art evidence is used to explore the "Green Sahara" to the introduction of domestic livestock, providing a basis for understanding the original cultural and social developments of hunter-gatherers and foragers. It also provides a critical synthesis and overview of central Saharan archaeology within the broader African framework.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Archaeological and rock art evidence, much of which remains unpublished until now, is used to explore the crucial period that encompasses the onset of the "Green Sahara" to the introduction of domestic livestock. This evidence provides a foundation for understanding the original cultural and social developments of hunter-gatherers and foragers in the central ranges of the Sahara. Furthermore, the work has implications for the wider region, informing the reconstruction of the environment and cultural dynamics and serving as a key reference point for the larger Sahara and North Africa.

The book is rich in illustrations and offers a critical synthesis and overview of central Saharan archaeology within the broader African framework. It is invaluable to archaeologists, paleoenvironmental scientists, paleoanthropologists, and rock art researchers working on the Sahara and North Africa, as well as comparative work for researchers in African archaeology in general.

The period of transition from the "Green Sahara" to the introduction of domestic livestock is a pivotal one in the history of the Sahara and North Africa. It witnessed the emergence of complex societies, the development of new technologies, and the transformation of the environment. By studying this period, archaeologists can gain a deeper understanding of the origins and development of human societies in the region and their interactions with the environment.

Rock art is a particularly valuable source of information for archaeologists studying this period. It provides a visual record of the beliefs, practices, and social structures of the people who lived in the Sahara during this time. Rock art images often depict animals, plants, and geometric patterns, which can provide insights into the diet, technology, and cultural practices of the people who created them.

Archaeological evidence, such as the excavation of settlements and burial sites, can also provide valuable information about the transition from the "Green Sahara" to the introduction of domestic livestock. These sites can reveal the types of tools and technologies used by the people, the types of food they consumed, and the social structures and hierarchies that existed within their societies.

In conclusion, the study of the transition from the "Green Sahara" to the introduction of domestic livestock is a crucial area of research for archaeologists, paleoenvironmental scientists, paleoanthropologists, and rock art researchers. The evidence available, much of which remains unpublished until now, provides a rich source of information that can help us to understand the origins and development of human societies in the Sahara and North Africa. The book, rich in illustration, provides a critical synthesis and overview of the developments of central Saharan archaeology within the broader African framework, making it an invaluable resource for researchers in these fields.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367538705