6.) Anthropomorphic Stele. Arabian Peninsula. 4 the millennium BCE. Sandstone.

Form

-Anthropomorphic: resembling human form, but not in itself human -Belted robe from which hangs a double-bladed knife/sword -Created with sandstone

Content

--One of the earliest known works of art from Arabia -Found in an area with extensive ancient trade routes

Function

Religious or burial purposes

Context

Context

Additional Information

--Function is unknown, but it possibly could have been a grave marker. -Was one of 3 anthropomorphic steles discovered in Ha’il -Carved and inscribed stone stelae were mainly used as gravestones, they were also used for dedication, commemoration, and demarcation. -Stele, as a term, is most commonly used in the Mediterranean World, though similar objects called by other terms and dating to the majority of periods have been found throughout the globe.