Writing the desert: the ‘Tifinagh’ rock inscriptions of the Tadrart Acacus (southwestern Libya)

摘要: The mountain ranges of the Tadrart Acacus and Messak in southwestern Libya (central Sahara) are widely known for their outstanding rock art inventory some key prehistoric sites. This paper illustrates preliminary outcomes current investigations on ‘Tifinagh’ inscriptions recording which has recently increased thanks to support ‘Endangered Archives Programme’ British Library. Its aim is twofold: first, outline main steps project, placing these within most relevant issues related phenomenon writing Sahara, second, describe results that have been achieved date foresee possible avenues development. In fact, although difficulties both dating decipherment repeatedly stressed through years, we emphasise Tifinagh texts can play an important role process landscape interpretation. A proper ‘written landscape’, where humans left readable signs passages or t...