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In
the Tassili n'Ajjer, in the Algerian Sahara, the natural cavities
such as this one, called guelta, have been used since the prehistoric
ages as precious water reservoirs.
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The
cave of Loltun (Yucatan) where in prehistory pools of water were
carved out under the stalactites to collect the dripping water.
Paintings referring to fertility rites and graffiti depicting
concentric circles bear witness to the ritual power of the place.
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The
cave of Pertosa (Cilento), used for its pools of water and as
a holy place since Palaeolithic times. .
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The
cave of Nakuto Laab (Ethiopia). The cave equipped in prehistory
for the catchment of the dripping water is still now a holy place
of the Coptic religion because of its healthy and salvific water.
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Oasis
of Timimoun (Algerian Sahara), the interior of the drainage tunnel
called foggara. The tunnel is dug out of the limestone rock and
thanks to its linear development it is able to catch the quantity
of water contained in the porous ground.
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Oasis
of Taghit (Algerian Sahara) the narrow streets are built like
tunnels through the built-up area. This practice has an important
climatic function, providing protection from the strong sun's
heat and dissuading strangers who are not able to find their way
across this maze of streets only lit up by rare light wells, mostly
built in recent times.
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The
cave of Loltun (Yucatan). The name of the cave which means 'stone
flowers' still today recalls the practice of using these cavities
in the first attempts to cultivate the plants gathered during
the migrations.
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