Dhar Tichitt, a remarkable Neolithic archaeological site nestled in the breathtaking southwestern region of the Sahara Desert in Mauritania, stands as a testament to the ancient marvels of human civilization. This historical gem is just one of the numerous settlement locations adorning the sandstone cliffs in the area, portraying the rich tapestry of the Tichitt culture. Along with Dhar Walata, Dhar Néma, and Dhar Tagant, Dhar Tichitt represents a key component of this culturally significant landscape.

Dating back to a period between 4000 BP and 2300 BP, or 2000 BCE to 300 BCE, Dhar Tichitt served as a pivotal regional center for the multi-tiered hierarchical social structure of the Tichitt Tradition. The site, including Dakhlet el Atrouss, possibly represented the primary hub of this sophisticated social organization, whereas the Malian Lakes Region, featuring sites such as Tondidarou, may have functioned as a secondary center of the Tichitt Tradition. This rich history intertwined with the daily lives of the farmers and pastoralists who once called the cliffs of Dhar Tichitt home.

The inhabitants of Dhar Tichitt were a resourceful and adaptable people, engaging in a diverse array of activities to sustain their livelihoods. Beyond herding livestock, which included cattle, sheep, and goats, they actively hunted, fished, gathered wild grain, and cultivated bulrush millet. These resilient individuals also left behind the legacy of being the ancestors of the Soninke people, adding another layer of cultural significance to this already captivating site.

The settlements themselves, a feast for the eyes and the imagination, comprised multiple stone-walled compounds housing residences and granaries, often featuring thoughtfully planned street layouts. Surrounding some settlements were expansive livestock enclosures, a testament to the close relationship between the human inhabitants and the animals upon which they depended. Additionally, grand stone common “circumvallation walls” graced the perimeters of some settlements, hinting at the existence of “special purpose groups” that collaborated for the greater good of the community.

Dhar Tichitt’s legacy as one of the oldest archaeological occupation sites in West Africa is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the innovative ways in which ancient societies adapted to their environments. As we marvel at the remnants of this ancient civilization, we are reminded of the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of our ancestors, whose legacy continues to enrich our understanding of the human journey through time.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the site!