A new archaeological survey in the Moroccan High Atlas has identified a series of quartz-capped standing stones aligned with the rising of the Pleiades. These markers served as the focal point for "Star-Greeting" festivals, which signaled the start of the transhumance season for ancient Berber communities.
The reflective properties of the quartz allowed the stones to glow under moonlight, creating a dramatic visual landscape for night-time rituals. This finding suggests that celestial observations were deeply integrated into the cultural heritage and seasonal celebrations of North African mountain tribes over 2,500 years ago.