Dhambalin

Features

The multi-layered paintings cover an area of approximately 4 by 12 metres (13 ft × 39 ft). They are of the Ethiopian-Arabic style, and dates to 5000–3000 BP. Similarities are noted with the rock art in Jilib Rihin and Haadh that were found in the Togdheer region by Sada Mire also in 2007. The polychrome paintings of the Neolithic or proto-historic Arabian–Ethiopian Style, depict the first sheep paintings in Somali archaeology and also many of antelopes, dogs, giraffes, snakes and a turtle with and also without humans. There are eight to ten people represented, usually as part of hunting scenes, with bow and arrow; they are surrounded by wildlife. One of the hunters is depicted with hair down and with headgear, accompanied by two dogs. Another hunter sits on an animal, possibly a horse; the depiction of humans riding the animals with raised hands is interpreted to mean worshipping the cattle. Two human figures are clearly male and have their arms outstretched. A humanoid figure is painted in white with a large head compared to the body; possibly a child. Compared to animals, people are painted less lifelike.

Most of the animals are shown in profile. Of the wildlife, there are at least eight giraffes (which are now extinct in Somaliland) in different colors, a turtle, antelopes, lions, snakes, baboon-like animal and a wild cat. Fourteen sheep are clearly identifiable with a typical shape, head, nose and thin legs. Three of them are painted in red with a white belt around the waist, while the remaining eleven are white with red decorative elements. In contrast to sheep found in Somaliland today, they do not have black heads. Cattle are in different colors and sizes, but usually depicted as cows with full udders and sometimes accompanied by calves and also some without humps and headless. Several bulls and at least five goats are shown. Other conspicuous bands drawn on the backs and bellies of cows attest to the farming traditions of the people.