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Document Details : Title: Some Thoughts on the Foot Motif from the Iron Age Southeastern Arabian Peninsula, in Reference to a Small Finds Assemblage from Saruq al-Hadid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Author(s): MAJCHRZAK, Dominika Journal: Ancient Near Eastern Studies Volume: 59 Date: 2022 Pages: 39-54 DOI: 10.2143/ANES.59.0.3291188 Abstract : The present paper discusses the symbol of the foot, attested on numerous Iron Age small finds from the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The occurrence of this motif in art and space is a phenomenon distinctive of the cultures of the region, beginning from early prehistoric times and continuing, in some cases, until the modern day, as evidenced by rock art, minor arts and architectural features. The recurrence of the foot symbol in certain contexts indicates that its meaning was shaped according to a socio-cultural convention that was evident for the local population of the period. A relatively large assemblage of such representations was found at the site of Saruq al-Hadid, a production centre with a probable cultic character. The aim of this paper is to present possible interpretations of the foot symbol and their implications. The discussion will also draw on archaeological and ethnographical parallels in relation to known elements of Semitic cult and rituals. |
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