Cultural Significant Content of Rock Art at the Buwa Site in Al-Ula Province

Abstract

This study presents a detailed analysis of the cultural significance of rock art at the Buwa site in Al-Ula Province. The study material included about 65 panels, dispersed among 6 locations in the valley, displaying a wide range of shapes, topics, stylistic traits, as well as cultural and artistic substance. Several aspects and themes portrayed in the rock art, as well as their measures, placements, and sizes were identified.  The descriptive, analytical approach was employed  for addressing factors as rock surfaces dimensions, the carving techniques and processes utilized, as well as the topics and historical eras associated with them. The study results showed  that there were cultural characteristics of human communities that traversed this valley and established themselves in adjacent regions,. It was also revealed that the factors and conditions that facilitated such artistic cultural heritage involved the presence of a favorable ecosystem and abundant resources for sustenance, including the presence of skilled hunters capable of tracking and capturing prey. It was concluded that the presence of water supplies, such as springs, natural ponds, and rock caverns, served as a magnet for these species, drawing them to the region.