The find at Umm Jirsan includes depictions of sheep, ibex, and goats.

An international research team has found artifacts and elaborate rock art in the lava tube of Umm Jirsan in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that the site provided shelter for ancient humans for over 7,000 years.

Previously, desert studies of ancient Arabia faced the problem that organic artifacts were rarely found due to the aridity of the region. However, by researching inside lava tubes and caves, archaeologists have been able to find a greater quantity of surviving objects which were effectively protected from extreme weather conditions.

Based on rock art and animal bones found at Umm Jirsan, the research team believe that the lava tube would have been a key location for livestock herders. The extensive cave art includes six animal herding scenes, 23 identifiable depictions of sheep, 15 of ibex, seven of goats, and two of cattle.