Overview:

: The Shira Rock Paintings At Shira, Bauchi State, Nigeria are a series of paintings carved out of sandstone rock deposits, and grouped together on the cliffs overlooking theShira River in the Northeastern part of the country. The rock paintings are believed to date back to the early Neolithic period in human history. This is inferred from the style of the artwork, with archaeological evidence showing that the earliest of this type of art was being traced back to around 8000 BC. The art itself consists of a range of figurines and animals commonly seen in art of this time period, including humans, deer, goats, buffalo, birds, tigers, elephants, and many other animals. The figures are rendered in a naturalistic style, and most have been painted in bright colors. Shira Rock Paintings provide an insight into the life and thinking of the people who inhabited this area in early prehistory. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

The distinctive feature of the Shira Rock Paintings is that they are prehistoric, dating back to about 4000 BC. The paintings were created using ochre pigments and depict a variety of animals, including large cats, antelope, lions and elephants. The site is located in the Shira hills, part of the Gombe National Park in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The site has been estimated to have around 400 painted rocks, some of which display very fine and intricate detail. The paintings are believed to be an ancient form of communication and storytelling between generations. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

Shira Rock Paintings is a collection of thousands of ancient cave drawings located in Shira, a small farming village in northern Bauchi State in Nigeria. The rock paintings are composed of geometric designs, lines, shapes and other symbols, which may represent the ancient culture and customs of the area. The paintings are estimated to date back to the Iron Age, which was around 4,000 to 2,000 years ago. The paintings are thought to have been created by the Jarawa people and their ancestors, who once lived in the area of Shira. It is believed that they used the paintings as a form of communication to tell the stories of their past and to express their beliefs and practices. The paintings have been studied extensively by archaeologists over the years, and have revealed a great deal of valuable information about the early cultures of the region. The paintings depict animal images, such as elephants and antelopes, as well as abstract designs, which may represent symbols of fertility or aspects of spiritual beliefs. The paintings also feature circular patterns, as well as specific geometric shapes and lines, which may depict maps or diagrams. In recent years, the Shira Rock Paintings have been deemed a National Cultural Monument by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria. This is due to their historical and cultural significance to the Jarawa and other tribes in the area. The paintings are open for viewing by the public and are protected against vandalism, allowing visitors to appreciate these ancient artworks and learn about the ancient history of the area. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Shira rock paintings are among the oldest rock paintings in West Africa, dating back some 5,000 years. 2. The paintings were only recently discovered in 2001 by the Geological Survey of Nigeria. 3. The paintings depict scenes from everyday life such as hunting, fishing, dancing, and religious activities. 4. The painting site is thought to have been a ritualistic site for the ancient Shira people who lived in the area. 5. The paintings are believed to have held spiritual and ritual significance, though the exact purpose of the paintings remains a mystery. 6. They are painted on large rock surfaces, often found on cliffs or near river banks. 7. These paintings are important cultural heritage for the people of Bauchi State as it reflects the life of the Shira people. 8. The paintings are protected by the Nigerian government, who has declared the site as a National Monument and Heritage Site. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era