Beads and pendants from Inqitat (Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman)

Abstract

Archaeological campaigns conducted during 2016 and 2017 at the site of Inqitat (Al Hamr al-Sharqiya), in the area of Khor Rori (Dhofar), produced an interesting assemblage of jewellery of various materials. The characteristics of the site are exceptional because they show traces of occupation from (prehistoric times)/ Prehistory right up to the Islamic period. Its geographical position(location), near Sumhuram, and its socio-political situation explain why bead assemblage here is so important. The use of particular stones indicates the presence of links with the area of the Persian Gulf and the Eastern part of the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, the discovery of some tools used for the production of the beads demonstrates a local production of some of these. The long life of the site could help to identify typical materials of each period thus allowing for a more complete comprehension of Dhofar and of the international connections of the area.