New finds at a Tylos-era burial mound in Maqaba were revealed by a team of Japanese archaeologists, in an open day meeting where they engaged with villagers and history enthusiasts.
Thanks to the researchers’ meticulous and thorough investigation of the site, rare evidence of a reed mat and piece of cloth, that tend to decompose, was found.
The site, known as ‘Maqaba burial mound number 1’, contains around 100 smaller mounds and dates back at least 2,000 years, and has witnessed its sixth season of excavations by Nara Archaeological Mission.
High-tech research methods, namely ground-penetrating radar (GPR), were used this season and allowed the archaeologists to uncover graves that might have otherwise been missed in the search.
Experts from the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, Japan, in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), introduced the findings to the public.
“The Tylos culture, unlike the Dilmun culture, is very mysterious,” mission leader Dr Kiyohide Saito said. “Thousands of Tylos graves have been excavated, but due to the lack of detailed research and records, we have yet to reconstruct the funerary practices of Tylos society.
“Therefore, we are attempting to do so through excavation, anthropological and ecological research.”
Dr Saito stated that 14 new graves were found this season, bringing the total to 38 so far, including a grave which will be opened next year.
He explained the discovery of organic material in one of the graves that indicates that the body was placed on a screen-like mat and lowered by sticks into the tomb. The reed mat is theorised to have been similar to the ones still made in Bahrain.
Another thrilling catch was evidence of a textile – something that has never before been seen in Tylos burials – that was stretched over the burial chamber to cover the body, before it was sealed by a stone.
“The fabric was decomposed but we found an imprint on the ground,” up-and-coming Baca archaeologist Mashael Al Shamsi told the GDN. “That’s very new to us.”
She added that, with the aid of GPR, the team found graves that were outside the main mound, and would not have been discovered otherwise.
“The use of new technology in geophysical surveys allows us to find archaeology that we would not be able to find under normal circumstances.”
GPR is a non-invasive surveying technique that uses radar pulses to image and analyse the subsurface by detecting reflected signals from underground structures or objects.
Baca conservation adviser Melanie Münzner told the GDN that the discovery was made ‘thanks to the very careful and meticulous work done by the Japanese team’.
The Archaeological Institute of Kashihara team are still waiting for a big breakthrough, however. Dr Saito, who excavated tombs in Palmyra, Syria for more than 20 years, is aiming to find a tie between Tylos and Palmyra. “I think that I’m far from the great discovery that you all expect. I believe that the accumulation of trivial investigations and observations will lead me to the goal,” he said.
“I believe that it is possible to prove at least the existence of people from the eastern Mediterranean, including Palmyra, through more excavations at the Maqaba burial mounds in Bahrain.”
A range of enthusiasts, including residents, history lovers and archaeologists, attended the open day, and asked questions of Dr Saito and his team.
Several members of the Dair Retirees Club also came to the open day and even carried out their own coverage of the finds for their social media page.
The Japanese mission led a tour around the site, taking the visitors from grave to grave. Every find was clearly labelled and displayed images of the skeletons and goods found within.
Area municipal council member, Tareq Al Farsani, told the GDN that the people of Maqaba and surrounding areas are good neighbours and stewards of ancient remains.
“The people are living among archaeology,” he said. “The Northern Governorate Constituency Five probably has the highest concentration of archaeological sites in the country – Saar, Qadam, Abu Saiba, Shakhoora.
“I cannot recall an instance of vandalism or destruction of ruins. People know not to cross the line. When it comes to playgrounds or football fields next to a site, they take extra care and are mindful of the space.”
Present at the event was Japanese Ambassador Okai Asako, along with Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie.
According to Baca director general of antiquities Dr Salman Al Mahari, the open days are part of an effort to involve citizens and residents in Bahrain’s ancient history.
Another open day, with Danish Archaeological Mission from Moesgaard Museum, will be held on Tuesday to explore the latest findings from the ongoing excavations at the Bahrain Fort.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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