Publication: Decorated shell discs from Sumhuram, Oman
Date
2020
Authors
Lischi, Silvia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
EUT Edizioni Università di Trieste
Abstract
During the excavations of Sumhuram (1997-2018) a large number of findings were brought to light. An interesting
and enigmatic group of objects, composed of 18 big shells that have particular decorative motifs, are
particularly interesting for understanding the interconnection between Arabia Felix and the Near East. In fact,
the objects and the iconography had no comparisons in south-western Arabia, but there are close comparisons
from Iran and some similar objects from the Gulf area and the north of Oman. In order to understand if these
objects were imported or belonged to a local production, they were analytically studied. Considering the few
comparisons at the current state of research, it is difficult to establish their origin with certainly. It is possible,
however, to say that close relations with Iran are present. This emphasizes the uniqueness of the city of Sumhuram
also regarding its artistic production, which turns out to be a reinterpretation of models from different
cultures and places.
Description
Keywords
Pre-Islamic Arabia, decorated shell disc, Dhofar, Sumhuram, Indian Ocean trade, pomegranate, South Arabian
Kingdoms
Citation
Silvia Lischi, "Decorated shell discs from Sumhuram, Oman", in: Costanza Coppini, Francesca Simi (Edited by), "Interactions and New Directions in Near Eastern Archaeology. Volume 3. Proceedings of the 5th “Broadening Horizons” Conference (Udine 5-8 June 2017)", Trieste, EUT Edizioni Università di Trieste, 2020, pp. 359-370