Running Horned Woman, Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria (6000-4000 B.C.E) Pigment on rock.
Form:
- pictograph = painting on a rock
- minerals + liquid = pigmented "paint"
- the "paint" was likely applied with feathers, weeds, and fingers
- involves the illusion of movement (the running aspect of the woman)
- profile perspective
- but horns face outwards
Function:
- a piece used to emphasize the importance of survival
- a recognition of the relationship between animals and humans (and its significance)
- created as part of a religious/spiritual worship?
- used to display the role of the woman
Context:
- thousands of other paintings and drawings from this period were found in the same area as the Running Horned Woman
- found in a very difficult to reach area (high elevation and unique topology) -> holy sanctuary?
- the Running Horned Woman is the most elaborate figure -> most important? goddess?
- symbolic image -> it's unlikely that hunters and gathers of the time would have looked the way that Running Horned Woman does
Content:
- white dots = body paint?
- arms and shin guards -> decoration? protection?
Cross-Cultural Comparison
Aka Elelphant Mask
Ikenga
Malagan Mask
