Ancient rock carvings discovered in Oman's Hajar Al Sinanat area

The Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism recently shared exciting news about ancient rock carvings discovered in the Hajar Al Sinanat area of northern Oman. Angelo Eugenio Fossati, an Italian rock art expert from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, has conducted initial assessments, suggesting these artworks date back to the first millennium BC. The carvings display geometric patterns, animals, and human figures, likely created by different generations over thousands of years. Wafa Dawood Al Hamdan, a spokesperson for the ministry, mentioned that the dating process involved comparing these designs with similar rock art in Oman and nearby regions. Ali AlMahrouqi, who heads archaeological surveys, highlighted the importance of this art to Oman’s cultural heritage. Recent discoveries also include Wadi Al Lajam, Wadi Nafūn/Aṣ Ṣafiyya, and the Horses Rock Petroglyphs. José-Miguel Perez Gomez, a specialist in Latin American rock art, pointed out resemblances to ancient Venezuelan imagery. To preserve these fragile sites, archaeologists are utilizing advanced photography and digital mapping techniques.