Persistent Pastoralism: Monuments and Settlements in the Archaeology of Dhofar

This book explores archaeological teamwork along the Dhofar plateau and its backslope into the Nejd of Southern Oman, documenting survey and excavation of small-scale stone monuments and pastoral settlements. Monuments are enduring traces of desert pastoralists, used to link dispersed households into broader social communities and showcase the adaptive strength of prehistoric inhabitants. The chapters introduce archaeological analysis of social identities, resource access, contacts, aversions, and exchanges with neighboring groups, underscoring the rich heritage of persistent pastoralism in contemporary Oman.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Archaeological teamwork along the Dhofar plateau and its backslope into the Nejd of Southern Oman is documented in this book, which explores the survey and excavation of small-scale stone monuments and pastoral settlements. Monuments, whether used as burial places, landmarks, mnemonic devices, or for other purposes, are enduring and prominent traces of desert pastoralists. In Dhofar, pastoralists constructed monuments in discrete pulses over 7500 years. Recognizing the dynamic ecosystems and climate regimes of Arabian prehistory, the author suggests that mobile pastoralists used monuments to link dispersed households into broader social communities. Furthermore, the range of practical adjustments to monuments as a consistent means of messaging among mobile people showcases the adaptive strength of Dhofars prehistoric inhabitants over time. A singular episode of settlement during a particularly arid period highlights the longer tradition of pastoral people on the move. With fictional vignettes to imagine the people who used these monuments, the chapters introduce archaeological analysis of the social identities, patterns of resource access, contacts, adaptations, and exchanges with neighboring groups. Finally, the book underscores the rich heritage of persistent pastoralism within contemporary Oman.

Archaeological teamwork along the Dhofar plateau and its backslope into the Nejd of Southern Oman is documented in this book, which explores the survey and excavation of small-scale stone monuments and pastoral settlements. Monuments, whether used as burial places, landmarks, mnemonic devices, or for other purposes, are enduring and prominent traces of desert pastoralists. In Dhofar, pastoralists constructed monuments in discrete pulses over 7500 years. Recognizing the dynamic ecosystems and climate regimes of Arabian prehistory, the author suggests that mobile pastoralists used monuments to link dispersed households into broader social communities. Furthermore, the range of practical adjustments to monuments as a consistent means of messaging among mobile people showcases the adaptive strength of Dhofars prehistoric inhabitants over time. A singular episode of settlement during a particularly arid period highlights the longer tradition of pastoral people on the move. With fictional vignettes to imagine the people who used these monuments, the chapters introduce archaeological analysis of the social identities, patterns of resource access, contacts, adaptations, and exchanges with neighboring groups. Finally, the book underscores the rich heritage of persistent pastoralism within contemporary Oman.

Weight: 633g
Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803274539