Umm an-Nar Rectangular Soft Stone Box

3D Model

Qumayrah-Ayn, Tomb 1 (Oman); Umm-an-Nar period (2600-2000 B.C.).

Polish Archaeological Mission directed by Prof Bieliński and Dr Łukasz Rutkowski.

Soft stone vessels (rectangular boxes, shallow bowls and goblets) are well documented in Umm an-Nar contexts, especially as grave-goods in collective tombs of the northeastern part the Arabian Peninsula. The presented specimen is a complete, double compartmented rectangular box, which is commonly decorated on the exterior with double-dotted circles on each of the four sides of the vessel. The characteristic pattern was probably made with the use of a bow-drill. Such boxes have fitting flat lids with a lug protruding from the center. The vessels of this type would have been particularly good for holding fatty substances like unguents and oils, but some scholars maintain that they were used for containing jewelry.

3D model by Otto Bagi