12

Exceptional cultural evidence uncovered during archeological excavations at the Gueldaman site in the Soummam valley outlines the symbolic behavior of Neolithic shepherds living in cave dwellings in the Akbou Babors. The daily lives of these men are punctuated with symbols that we need to identify and disentangle from material concerns. Ceramic decoration and ornamental objects give meaning to many of their acts and productions. Ochre, ossified tortoise dermis pendeloques, ostrich eggshell beads, shaped seashells, bracelets, and an ivory figurine were the objects used to celebrate the special moments of this pastoral society.