Hello,
I am doing some research on ancient Saharan rock art (petroglyphs, paintings) and its possible echoes in Berber mythology. Certainly some myths and legends of the Tuareg people seem to reflect scenes which we can see painted or incised upon Saharan rocks, dating back to the Neolithic. Most fascinating are the prehistoric representations of cats: in Saharan rock art, these often appear as larger than life creatures which walk on two legs and evoke the Berber personage called Mosh or Aggelmush: a monstrous legendary cat which had human characteristics, lived in a house and engaged in magical practices.
There is not a great deal of literature available concerning the oldest (pre-Islamic) Berber myths and legends. Can anyone provide me with some detailed information? Most of the legends I've read postdate the Arab conquest.
I am doing some research on ancient Saharan rock art (petroglyphs, paintings) and its possible echoes in Berber mythology. Certainly some myths and legends of the Tuareg people seem to reflect scenes which we can see painted or incised upon Saharan rocks, dating back to the Neolithic. Most fascinating are the prehistoric representations of cats: in Saharan rock art, these often appear as larger than life creatures which walk on two legs and evoke the Berber personage called Mosh or Aggelmush: a monstrous legendary cat which had human characteristics, lived in a house and engaged in magical practices.
There is not a great deal of literature available concerning the oldest (pre-Islamic) Berber myths and legends. Can anyone provide me with some detailed information? Most of the legends I've read postdate the Arab conquest.