Trade and faith in Nubian Early Makuria (AD 450–550): macroscopic examination of personal adornments from el-Zuma in Nubia
Journal Title: Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean - Year 2016, Vol 25, Issue
Abstract
In the long history of the land between the Third and Fourth Cataracts on the Nile, the period corresponding to the times of Early Makuria is particularly well represented. The el-Zuma tumuli cemetery has been dated to the Early Makuria Phase II (AD 450–550). Although the graves were heavily robbed, the remains of personal adornments (beads, pendants, rings, and an earring) give a broad overview of materials (marine mollusk shell, coral, ostrich eggshell, stone, metal, faience, glass) and techniques applied in their production. A comparative synopsis of contemporary Nubian adornments shows parallels for the objects from el-Zuma. Moreover, the provenance of the materials and manufacturing techniques suggests el-Zuma’s involvement in regional and longdistance exchange during this period. Finally, the presence of a Christian symbol and imported beads in the el-Zuma tumuli is meaningful in itself.<br/><br/>
Authors and Affiliations
Joanna Then-Obłuska
Early Makuria Research Project. Metal artifacts from the Tanqasi cemetery
The article documents and discusses metal artifacts discovered in tombs explored by a joint Polish–Sudanese project from the PCMA UW and the NCAM in the tumuli field at Tanqasi in Sudan (Fourth Nile Cataract region). Met...
Results of a survey conducted in the area of the Jiyeh Marina Resort hotel complex in the 2012 season
In 2012, an initial reconnaissance was conducted of the area north of the Jiyeh (Porphyreon) site. This coastal region is heavily urbanized and progressing building investment is causing the destruction of archaeological...
Nea Paphos. Seasons 2012 and 2013
Excavation at the site of the so-called Hellenistic House in Nea Paphos in 2012 and 2013 was focused on the main courtyard (1) and the southern portico (R.3). The architecture collapsed in an earthquake in the 2nd centur...
Conservation interventions at the site of Berenike (Egypt): challenges and solutions in an ancient city of the Eastern Desert
The desert climate of the Berenike site in the Eastern Desert of Egypt are conducive to the preservation of substantial quantities of both organic and inorganic archaeological remains. Field conservation is thus fundamen...
The Ritual of the Hours of the Night on the coffins of Heresenes and Nespaqashuty from Deir el-Bahari
The qrsw-coffins of Heresenes and the Priest of Montu Nespaqashuty were discovered within the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari by Émile Baraize during the winter of 1932–1933. The inner sides of the vaulte...