The rock art on the outskirts of Hargeisa, named Laas Geel, are stunning portraits that capture an ancient way of life.
The high walls that the painters desired to protect the art from the elements
What did the Rock Art mean?
The rock art of Laas Geel are full of animals that are normally found on the plains of the Serengeti, implying the landscape would have been much lusher than the dry, arid terrain of today. The strong connection to cows in the drawings, portrays the ancient connection these people had with the animals that provided their sustenance.
It is fascinating to see how herders over 5,000 years ago went to massive efforts to paint these works of art. However, it is not only animals in these drawings; there are also pictures of traders, soldiers and even a Lunar Calendar, demonstrating their sophistication. Although people have speculated, no one really knows the answer to why these paintings are there. The cave art could have been signposts for other tribes, maybe even to signify their spiritual connection with their land. Generally people believe they simply capture an ancient world of mystical paintings from a lost time.
Want to visit?
An area much safer than the rest of the country, The cave art lies near the city Hargeisa, which enjoys much more law and order in comparison. Locals even say this isn’t even Somalia but Somililand, and Hargeisa is its capital.
When was it discovered?
Only discovered in 2002, other tools were found in the area. Even burial mounds were discovered in the local vicinity.
Drawings of soldiers
Painting of a cow, the white part on its neck may have been cloth draped over it for spiritual reasoning
Antelope that grazed the lush plains at the time. Paintings are extremely colourful, including red, yellow and purple
