AN ancient and rare skeleton was among the key archaeological findings discovered in the Northern Governorate as part of an excavation expedition into a burial site dating back thousands of years.
The large archaeological hill, located on a farm in Maqaba, is around four metres high covering an area of 58m by 48m and contains 20 burial sites, 16 graves, and a first-of-its-kind ‘sophisticated garden’, in addition to other artefacts used in burial ceremonies.
The GDN previously reported in April last year that the ‘Dilmun gardens’ in the Tylos-era burial mounds indicate the ‘lost paradise of Dilmun’.
Archaeologist Mustafa Salman told the GDN that two skeletons – an adult and a child – were found, in addition to two infant burial jars, dating back to the Tylos Era (the first century) while five adult skeletons were found dating back to the Dilmun Era (around 1000 BC).
He revealed that excavation efforts continued for four months in 2019 with research and testing still undergoing to this day.
“The excavation team was surprised when we reached the floor of the hill due to the different colour of the soil and it also included a large number of square and rectangular geometric shapes interspersed with narrow lines,” he said.
“We discovered that this was an old farm, or garden, consisting of 350 rectangular and square basins – whose length didn’t exceed 1m with a depth of 30cm – which were connected to each other by narrow channels to transport water.
“The sand was sifted and analysed to reveal very thin pottery fragments dating back to the Dilmun-era and this discovery of a Dilmunian garden is considered the first-of-its-kind in Bahrain.”
According to Mr Salman, the discovery of the garden is proof that Dilmun was famous for its abundance of fresh water and greenery, as highlighted in famous legendary tales.
In a previous Press conference, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaika Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, revealed that the Dilmun gardens have always been considered to be the ‘lost paradise’, full of lush greenery and water wells.
Mr Salman also revealed that inside the burial sites glazed pottery artefacts were found with shells and ashes, which were indicators of burial or funeral rituals unique to the Tylos Era.
“Five adult skeletons were discovered buried in the traditional squatting position which was implemented during the Dilmun-era, in addition to a few pottery dishes, pieces of rock and beads as part of burial rituals,” he added.
“We also found 16 graves dating back to the Tylos-era which included the remains of two adults and one child, in addition to infant burial jars.
“In these burial sites we found glazed pottery which were used during and after burial rituals, as well as pottery dishes, beads and seashells traditionally found in female burial sites.
“A very rare adult skeleton was found in the middle of the hill placed directly on the ground, almost complete and in a good condition, in a squatting position. However, the hands were on the chest with the palms on the shoulder. This is a very rare case for burial customs in the Dilmun-era and two pottery jars were also found next to the skeleton’s legs, in addition to the remains of the skull of another skeleton.
“The Tylos burial sites and graves were discovered on top of the ruins of the sites from the Dilmun-era so this was a surprising and critical archaeological discovery.”
The area is part of continuous efforts by Baca to preserve archaeological sites in Bahrain with plans underway to further highlight the rich heritage and history of the kingdom as a major tourist attraction.
Mr Salman also revealed to the GDN, after a webinar session, that the graves and burial sites had clearly been looted by thieves over the centuries who stole building materials and valuables, leaving behind very little for archaeologists to find.
Mr Salman’s talk was the fifth in a series of six virtual lectures, the final of which will take place on September 29, with Dr Masashi Abe of the Japanese archaeological mission, talking about the excavation work undertaken in Wadi Al Sail.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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