In a recent visit to the High Atlas Mountains I was able to view some of the rock engravings at Oukaimeden, in light of a new Bradshaw Foundation Archive section planned for the rock art of Morocco.

The High Atlas Mountains are one of Morocco's two most important areas for rock engravings . All of the sites are in the open air, lying at over 2,000m. One of the main concentrations is Oukaimeden, which has 4 main sites.

Oukaimeden is a fascinating area not only because of the rock art. Today the village itself is a well-known ski resort, lying some 70 km south of Marrakech, but the stone shepherds' huts - azibs - which occupy the area are used from July to November by neighbouring tribes who graze their herds on the rich pastures and escape from the heat of the plain.

As for the engravings, the technique used is the pecked line followed by careful polishing. Often the interior surface of the engraving is entirely pecked and polished. The engravings depict metal weapons such as daggers and round shields, as well as animals such as cattle, and human figures.

Oukaimeden has a Tourist Information Centre and Information Panel describing the engravings and explaining how to observe them with consideration.

Whilst in this area, I was able to stay at the Kasbah Bab Ourika - a wonderful place!

Peter Robinson, Editor

Bradshaw Foundation