and hippopotamus, animals that no longer exist in the now-desert area. The site was founded by French anthropologist Henri Lhote 50 years ago, yet researchers are still discovering new artwork. South Oran, Algeria Djelfa, Algeria Ahaggar, Algeria Draa River, Morocco Rock art of Figuig, Morocco Aïr Mountains, Niger Sabu-Jaddi rock art site in Northern Sudan Research techniques Archaeologists, anthropologists, and other researchers have been studying rock art to gain information about African cultures from the past. Many photographs are taken of the art so it can be studied further. Dating the art of the Sahara is made possible through radiometric dating of organic material, including radiocarbon dating. Organic artifacts found at the sites can be dated, as can some residues on the rock art itself. Rock art time periods Large Wild Fauna Period (12,000 BP - 6000 BP): Saharan hunter-gatherer societies first made rock art. These images included animals that then lived in the area, including hippos, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, bubalus, aurochs, and large antelopes. Many of those animals no longer exist in the Sahara due to changes in climate that have caused the desiccation of the desert over the past several thousand years. Humans are shown hunting with spears and axes. The artwork portrays not only hunting, but the relationship between humans and animals. Most of the artwork can be found in Tassili n'Ajjer, Algeria. Kel Essuf Period (9800 BP): The Kel Essuf rock art tradition of engraving may have developed into the Round Head rock art tradition of painting. Round Head Period (9500 BP - 7000 BP): Hunter-gatherers on the Tassili Plateau painted distinctive human figures with round, featureless heads. Pastoral Period (7200 BP - 3000 BP): During this period, humans were depicted with domesticated cattle. Pictures show cultures herding animals and hunting as well, portrayed through men holding bows. Women and children are in camps where they lived. This style is shown around the Sahara with paintings and engravings. Herders eventually migrated to the west, east, and south as Saharan climates aridified. Horse Period (3200 BP - 1000 BP): Humans are shown with horses during this period. Paintings and few engravings have men on horses with weapons, as well as horse-drawn chariots. The people are also dressed in clothing instead of no clothing at all. Camel Period (3000 BP - 2000 BP): This is the final period of rock art in the Sahara, with images of camels