From Epipalaeolithic petroglyphs to Roman graffiti: Stylistic variability of anthropomorphs at Gebel el Silsila (Upper Egypt)

Gebel el Silsila displays an astounding concentration of incised illustrations, of which anthropomorphic figures are frequent motifs. These figures were produced over several millennia: from prehistoric petroglyphs to pictorial graffiti of dynastic periods and throughout into Roman days. Spanning over six millennia visitors to Gebel el Silsila depicted huntsmen, warriors, boatmen, and horsemen, religious adoration scenes, apotropaic daemons, gods and human figures of varying iconographic complexity. These splendid commemorations range from minuscule, delicately carved figures to grand scenes, or rough and elusive hammered depictions. This paper aims to present stylistic, technical and chronological variability of anthropomorphic figures illustrated at Gebel el Silsila, including considerations of spatial distribution, archaeological context, and — if possible — an interpretation of their significance.