Decorated shell discs from Sumhuram, Oman

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.