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From Earth Science Picture of the Day; June 24, 2018:

Archive - Neolithic Rock Paintings in Somaliland Photographer and Summary Author: Katy Hinton

Each Sunday we present a notable item from our archives. This EPOD was originally published June 22, 2012.

The striking Neolithic rock paintings shown above are located between Hargeisa and Berbera, Somaliland. The granitic Laas Gaal caves and rock shelters date as far back as 9,000 B.C. and contain images of humans, cows (left), dogs as well as a giraffe. Their recent discovery by archeologists in 2002/03 and the arid climate have contributed to their status as some of the best preserved of all African rock art. Outside the cave, at the bottom of the photo, a glimpse can be seen of northern Somaliland's desert landscape where the locals continue to graze their cattle to this day. Photo taken in April 2010.

Photo Details: Camera: NIKON D5000; Focal Length: 40.0mm (35mm equivalent: 60mm); Aperture: f/8.0; Exposure Time: 0.0040 s (1/250); ISO equiv: 200.

Laas Gaal caves, Somaliland Coordinates: 9.6, 44.116667

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