Laas Geel, Neolithic rock art site near Hargeisa, Somaliland
Laas Geel is an archaeological site containing about twenty granite rock shelters decorated with over 350 painted panels. These panels feature human figures and diverse animal representations in multiple colors, creating a rich visual record from ancient times.
French archaeologists discovered these cave paintings in 2002, with scientific analysis dating the artworks between 5,000 and 11,000 years old. This makes them among the oldest artistic records in this part of Africa.
The paintings show cattle in ritual clothing alongside human figures with raised hands, offering a window into ancient worship practices and livestock domestication. These images reveal the spiritual beliefs and daily economic life of the people who created them thousands of years ago.
Visitors must arrange transportation from Hargeisa through local hotels, which help secure necessary permits and armed escorts for the journey to the site. Planning ahead with local partners is essential for a safe and organized visit to this remote location.
The granite overhangs protected these Neolithic paintings for thousands of years, preserving their original colors and clear outlines despite regional conflicts. This natural shelter has been crucial to keeping these ancient artworks visible and intact to this day.
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