Arabian Rock Art Heritage

The Application of Advanced Imaging Technology to Saudi Arabian Rock Art

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  • Canaan Dog

    The dogs illustrated in the Neolithic hunting scenes at Jubbah and Shuwaymis appear to be medium-sized, with erect ears and a curly tail. They do not have a slender build or long legs like a saluki or other sighthounds, but rather have average length legs and a strong, but not massive body.

    • Hunting and Herding scene, Shuwaymis

      • Lion Hunt, Shuwaymis

        • Bezoar Goat Hunt, Shuwaymis

          • Gazelle attacked by dog, Jubbah

            • Shuwaymis West

              The Neolithic age of this panel is readily identified by the distinctive style of pecking used to produce the deeply-incised petroglyphs and by the unique assemblage of animals and humans shown here, including the extinct aurochs.

              • Shuwaymis West Hunting Party

                A Neolithic hunting scene featuring the hunter, his dogs, and his quarry, the wild aurochs. A leopard climbs vertically up the cliff face on the right and a tiny gazelle can be seen near the bottom, right side.

                • Shuwaymis West Neolithic Hunter-Herder Scene

                  A gigantic piece of sandstone on the west side of the Shuwaymis valley served as a canvas for several stupendous Neolithic panels after it had cracked and partially slumped.

                  • Equine hunting scene at Shuwaymis

                    This Neolithic petroglyph, which can be found on the western side of the Shuwaymis locality, is a hunting scene in which a bow hunter and his pack of dogs prepare to dispatch an African wild ass or onager.

                    • Uqulqh, Tayma

                      Uqulqh is a large sandstone outcrop not far from the ancient city of Tayma. It features Arabian horses with tasseled tails that resemble those of donkeys or camels.

Stories in the Rocks

Saudi Arabia possesses world-class rock art in a dazzling desert landscape replete with majestic natural formations. Stories in the Rocks: Exploring Saudi Arabian Rock Art is a beautifully illustrated book written in an easily accessible manner. Its goal is to enlighten readers about the records created by ancient artists on the sandstone cliffs and outcrops distributed widely down Saudi Arabia from north to south.

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Layan Cultural Foundation Project © 2010 - 2025 Sandra L. Olsen