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Unity and diversity of the kite phenomenon: a comparative study between Jordan, Armenia and Kazakhstan
Author(s) -
Barge Olivier,
Brochier Jacques Élie,
Régag Emmanuelle,
Chambrade MarieLaure,
Crassard Rémy
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
arabian archaeology and epigraphy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.384
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 1600-0471
pISSN - 0905-7196
DOI - 10.1111/aae.12065
Subject(s) - kite , geography , plateau (mathematics) , scale (ratio) , mount , distribution (mathematics) , diversity (politics) , physical geography , cartography , computer science , political science , mathematics , geometry , mathematical analysis , law , operating system
Desert kites are found across a vast region. This paper presents a detailed description of kites from the Harrat al‐Shaam region (Jordan) and proposes a comparative study, as well as an analysis of the morphology and organisation of kites known from Mount Aragats (Armenia) and the Ustyurt Plateau (Kazakhstan). A complete inventory of the structures in each region highlights their architectural characteristics and their spatial distribution in the landscape. Some preliminary results were obtained by comparing both regions: the core area in eastern Jordan, and peripheries—sometimes very distant—such as in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Chronological data were also compared, when available. All these different and complementary aspects were finally combined with satellite imagery analyses. The interactive process between satellite images and fieldwork observations has enriched both approaches, while yielding preliminary key elements of interpretation for a better understanding of the kite phenomenon on a global scale.