L’exposition « L’art rupestre, un art d’un autre temps » inaugurée à Alger
Summary of the Exhibition "L’art rupestre, un art d’un autre temps"
The exhibition "L’art rupestre, un art d’un autre temps," showcasing an exceptional collection of prehistoric cave paintings and engravings from the Tassili N’Ajjer and the Saharan Atlas, was inaugurated on Monday at the National Museum of Bardo in Algiers. The event drew the attention of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouhir Ballalou, who emphasized the importance of this ancient art form, which dates back over 10,000 years.
Designed by Safia Boudeheb, the exhibition presents an interactive experience as visitors embark on a guided tour, discovering symbols and traditions that reflect the lives of North Africa’s early inhabitants. Ballalou remarked that the exhibition highlights prehistorical rock art from the Saharan Atlas and Tassili N’Ajjer, revealing invaluable archaeological heritage that chronicles humanity’s past.
Reiterating Algeria’s commitment to preserving and promoting rock art heritage, Ballalou noted that this event coincides with the celebration of Africa Day and is part of cultural diplomacy efforts. He stressed the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage from destruction and looting, praising Algeria’s initiative to host the Grand Museum of Africa, which aims to recover looted artworks from African countries during colonization.
Zouhir Harichane, the director of the National Museum of Bardo, emphasized the uniqueness of the displayed collection, which includes original rock paintings and petroglyphs from the Tassili N’Ajjer and Saharan Atlas regions. These archaeological pieces offer precious insights into the lifestyles, social structures, beliefs, and rituals of their creators, depicted through human and animal figures etched in stone or drawn within natural shelters.
The works are often located in cliffs or caves, featuring portrayals of wildlife, hunting scenes, and abstract symbols from prehistoric or protohistorical periods. The exhibition will be open to the public at the National Museum of Bardo throughout the summer, starting from Tuesday.
In conclusion, "L’art rupestre, un art d’un autre temps" stands as a significant cultural event, not just highlighting Algeria’s rich historical heritage but also engaging in broader discussions about the preservation of cultural artifacts in Africa.
