🇬🇧 [1994-2000] Hassaï and Ariab archaeological survey

At the request of Ariab Mining Co, SFDAS carried out a reconnaissance mission with a view to preparing a development plan for archaeological deposits threatened in the short term by mine work. This reconnaissance enabled several sites to be recorded:

Ganaet: a site located on a jebel (small mountain). The site features dry-stone constructions (housing/workshop), with many millstones featuring central perforations. The habitat is linked to the work areas associated with the quarries. The buildings are of two types, circular or quadrangular, with a low wall made of two dressed walls and a fill of all-venant in the centre. This type of structure is reminiscent of the Christian buildings in Nubia. The quarries actually consist of very thin cavities that follow the veins and go deep into the ground, known as room and pile mines.

Gurad: settled on lowland, this area contains numerous burials and a large settlement, as well as room and pile quarries located on contiguous outcrops.

Khor Tidityu and Bir Ajam: this area contains numerous settlements and a succession of dry-stone burial mounds. In 1993, journal Genava featured a series of small figurines that were discovered near Bir Ajam. A BRGM geologist who had seen the site many years ago mentioned that the figurines formed a sort of cone. He also mentioned the upper part of the probable remains of an oven, with charcoal. The figurines would have spread down the slope as a result of run-off. Carbon-14 dating of the charcoal by the BRGM gave a date of 1200 ± 100 BP.

Taladeirut: burial and settlement areas. A dry-stone burial mound in the way of mine work was excavated and its material can be dated from the period after the 4^th century AD.

Shashatilo: a prehistoric settlement located at the bottom of a rocky ridge covered with rock engravings dating from different periods (pastoralism, camelids, etc.).

Hamin Rawai: a jebel with rock engravings of the same type as at Shashatilo, as well as evidence of wildlife.

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