Unearthing Ennedi’s Cultural Heritage

Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve (ENCR) in north-eastern Chad contains a remarkable archaeological heritage in addition to its many desert-adapted species. Ancient records in the form of rock paintings portray a time when the Ennedi ecosystem was much wetter than it is today, offering a glimpse into a forgotten past and also guidance for contemporary efforts by a partnership comprising the Chadian Government and African Parks with the support of strategic partners like the European Union and the Environment Agency of Dubai to restore today’s desert ecosystem.

While still in its early days, the ENCR project has already seen initial reintroductions of two important species depicted in cave art (the addax antelope and red-necked ostrich). Meanwhile, ongoing efforts are deciphering centuries-old clues that reveal Ennedi’s past – and provide hints of a possible future. 

Today, a team of passionate Chadian archaeologists are uncovering graphic representations of Ennedi’s past, and learning lessons that can help guide our efforts to restore this desert ecosystem.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to two men who believe that Ennedi’s history can help shape its future.

Guemona Djimet

Head of the ENCR Archaeology Department, Guemona Djimet relocated his family to Fada in northern Chad to follow his passion for archaeology. His interest in archaeology is intertwined with some of his earliest memories, as he explains: “For me, archaeology is still very much alive because, having grown up in the village, I saw the potters making ceramics and grinding cereals with a millstone. I also saw metalworkers making farm and hand tools”.

Guemona’s decision to study archaeology was also influenced by his family, and by a desire to make a difference by doing something different. These factors spurred him to make what he calls his “long journey back in time”.

He has also been on a literal journey, with his studies having taken him to Benin before ultimately settling in Ennedi. It’s an entirely fitting destination for an archaeologist, with some 1550 sites having been already identified, and over 500 of these are classed as being of major importance.

Guemona is in no doubt as to the archaeological significance of this region of Chad: “What makes the Ennedi so special is, of course, the abundance of archaeological sites from different periods that illustrate the continuous occupation of this area. And above all its narrative rock art, which highlights the way of life of the people who lived in this area from hunter-gatherer times to pastoral times”.

Adding to the importance of many of the panels is what Guemona describes as the density and quality of the representations of wildlife, livestock and people, and the vibrancy of sites like Sabi Gnalla which features 19 elephants, 141 giraffes and felines, as well as 39 ostriches, 95 anthropomorphic figures and 26 undetermined subjects.

To give you a feel for what it might be like to be the first person in perhaps several centuries to gaze on a panel of cave art, here is Guemona’s description of the discovery of the Sabi Gnalla site:

“It felt like I was watching a fiction film, given the concentration and superimposition of the works of art, the diversity of themes and techniques. I was so intrigued by the density and quality of the representations of the works of art that I remained silent for at least 10 minutes, doing nothing.”  

In a thoroughly modern approach to mapping the ancient world, Guemona and his team plot survey results on a database that helps them prioritise conservation efforts ranging from recording Ennedi’s cultural heritage to raising awareness amongst modern Chadians – the custodians of a remarkable legacy.

Ennedi continues to add to our understanding of the past in surprising ways – the depictions of women in cave art inspired Guemona to write a study on the role of women in prehistoric pastoral societies.

Mahamat Ahmat Oumar

“My interest in archaeology and the study of ancient human societies grew out of a deep curiosity about the stories of the past and their ability to shed light on the present,” explains Mahamat Ahmat Oumar, Assistant to the Archaeology Department since 2022.

Thanks to his work with Guemona to help ensure the preservation, enhancement and promotion of Ennedi Nature and Culture Reserve’s archaeological heritage, Mahamat sees archaeology not as a dry and dusty profession, but as an active quest for scientific knowledge.

This quest involves using a combination of research surveying and asking local people for pointers to sites – an approach that reflects the fact that Ennedi’s stories are still relevant today.

While Ennedi is already recognised for its abundance of rock paintings and engravings, Mahamat is excited about what is still to be discovered. He relishes the opportunity to glimpse prehistory through the lens of Ennedi’s cultural heritage, and learn more about every aspect of ancient Saharan life – from everyday chores to religious practices.

Like his colleague Guemona, Mahamat has certain sites that hold a special significance for him personally, often due to the visual impact of the art. The logistical challenges involved in reaching new sites include challenging terrain and extreme temperatures. As Mahamat explains, “Additional hurdles to overcome include site degradation, vandalism and looting of archaeological sites, uncontrolled tourism, and the lack of a robust legal and institutional framework,” all of which can further complicate the mission to document and preserve Ennedi’s cave paintings. These challenges are compounded by the need for data analysis after each survey, with the necessary tools and software often lacking.

Mahamat’s experiences in the ENCR have made him realise that a holistic approach is required if the area’s archaeological heritage is to be preserved. He believes that this will involve approaching the issue from multiple angles, including stakeholder participation, new legislation and using the rock and cave art sites as the basis for sustainable cultural tourism activities.

“These efforts are essential, as I see Ennedi as an exceptional region in terms of archaeology for two fundamental reasons: its wealth of rock art and the abundance of underexplored heritage”.

Ennedi’s art has withstood centuries of desert conditions; with the help of committed guardians like Guemona and Mahamat and assistance from UNESCO, it will continue to dazzle and intrigue future generations. In 2024, their team recorded some 348 archaeological sites – an achievement that also hints at the volume of work still to be done. As Guemona says, “You should know that the Ennedi has not yet revealed all its secrets; it still has surprises in store for us.”

Guemona and Mahamat are not alone in recognising the significance of Ennedi’s heritage – four of the sites contained within the ENCR have been accorded historical and cultural importance on a global scale. The ethos of the local archaeologists is very much aligned with this approach, given their desire to weave the past into the fabric of Ennedi’s future and share the treasures of the ENCR with local communities and with the world as part of an evolving narrative that places Ennedi at the heart of worldwide conversations on preserving heritage as a vital, living thing rather than a motheaten artefact.

24 February 2025 - African Parks