Enigmatic Life-Size Camel Carvings Unearthed in Saudi Arabian Desert

Archaeologists have uncovered a collection of beautifully carved, life-size camel carvings on a rock outcropping near Saudi Arabia's Nafud desert. The carvings depict a now-extinct species of wild camels that once roamed the region thousands of years ago. The site, named Sahout, contains a dense cluster of rock art from various periods, making it difficult to determine the exact culture and timeframe of the artwork. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the site was occupied between the Pleistocene and Middle Holocene eras. The carvings, predominantly male camels, may have been created during mating season, as indicated by the depiction of the camels' dulla. Further research is needed to understand the significance of the site and why it was an important location.