The cultural significance of the architecture of the Umm an-Nar culture tombs (2700–2000 BCE) in the Omani Peninsul


World Heritage Site: Dilmun Burial Mounds

Publication Year: 2025

Publication Type: Article

Publication Identifier: WHE5953C98177

Summary

Umm al-Nar tombs, dating from 2700–2000 BCE, represent a distinct architectural style unique to the Omani Peninsula during the Umm an-Nar culture. Unlike other structures of their time, these tombs were constructed with limestone exclusively for external walls, adorned with intricate carvings depicting humans, animals, plants, and symbolic shapes. This deliberate emphasis on aesthetic factors suggests a cultural significance beyond mere functionality, positioning the tombs as icons of the Umm an-Nar culture's architectural identity. The study highlights how these tombs' external features—unmatched in other buildings of the period—reflect a sophisticated understanding of symbolism and design, offering insights into the cultural priorities and artistic achievements of ancient Omani societies.

Citation

DOUGLAS, K. (2025). The cultural significance of the architecture of the Umm an-Nar culture tombs (2700–2000 BCE) in the Omani Peninsul. Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.53542/2522-2279.1425

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