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Symbols of Dilmun's royal house – a primitive system of communication adopted from the late Indus world?
Author(s) -
Laursen Steffen Terp
Publication year - 2016
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.12067
Subject(s) - indus , pottery , cult , theme (computing) , period (music) , history , ancient history , archaeology , art , computer science , aesthetics , geology , world wide web , paleontology , structural basin
This article presents evidence of a system of symbolic markings, which developed in Dilmun between c .1950 and 1500 BC . The symbols predominantly appear on pottery, tokens and seals and may originally have been inspired by similar systems in the post‐Indus script period of the Harappan culture. There was a development over time from single symbols on pottery and tokens to more complex sequences on seals that ultimately formed irregular logograms. The system was developed as a means of communication in an illiterate society. Based on the shape of the symbols and related evidence it is argued that they all represent variations on the theme of palm branches, palm trees and altars and that they are connected to the cult of Inzak. From the contexts in which the symbols appear it is demonstrated that the symbols were exclusive to Dilmun's royal house and temple institutions.