The ASArt-DATA project. Current perspectives on central Saharan rock art

Rock art is one of the most significant aspects of Saharan cultural heritage. The recent critical political developments determined the inaccessibility of many sites, raising the risk of destruction of the artworks, already significantly endangered by natural and anthropic threats. It is urgent to propose concrete actions to improve the understanding of this heritage and raise awareness of its extraordinary value, as a testimony of the past, as well as a resource for the future. The ASArt-DATA Project aims to contribute to these issues with a strict set of tasks addressed to strengthen the connection between anthropological research and cultural heritage.