Tombstone: man on camel
Calcite
BCE 100-100 CE
CSMVS
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient Arabia
Theme
Trade, Movement and Exchange
Subtheme
Across Deserts and Mountains – the ‘Incense’ and ‘Silk’ Roads
Case Title
Incense: scent of wealth
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Aden, Yemen
Accession Number
F 80
Description
Camels – long known as ‘ships of the desert’ – were essential for long-distance overland trade. They could survive on very little water and carry heavy loads. The rider here, almost certainly a trader, is accompanied by his groom.
Wealth generated from the incense trade was reflected in the material culture of South Arabia. This tombstone, made from highly prized alabaster, is a marker of the dead woman’s wealth and status.
