Middle Assyrian jewelry of Tell Sabi Abyad

Summary This thesis investigates the Middle Assyrian jewel assemblage from Tell Sabi Abyad, which comprises a period of about 110 years from 1225 BC to at most 1115 BC. The dunnu with only 900 people belonging to it was quite a small village; however its significance was based on the location. Its significance is demonstrated by the fact that the dunnu was ruled by powerful, high ranking officials who were members of the royal family. The western provinces of the Assyrian empire were essential for agricultural production. Moreover the tell was not only situated close to the border of the Hittite empire, but was also located at an important trade route from the Levant, North Syria and Anatolia to Aššur. This is mirrored in the jewelry assemblage, which shows far reaching trading connections with raw stones, shells and manufactured products. There is evidence for stone and shell processing for jewelry purposes, but metal items were likely received from bronze working centers like Tell...Show moreSummary This thesis investigates the Middle Assyrian jewel assemblage from Tell Sabi Abyad, which comprises a period of about 110 years from 1225 BC to at most 1115 BC. The dunnu with only 900 people belonging to it was quite a small village; however its significance was based on the location. Its significance is demonstrated by the fact that the dunnu was ruled by powerful, high ranking officials who were members of the royal family. The western provinces of the Assyrian empire were essential for agricultural production. Moreover the tell was not only situated close to the border of the Hittite empire, but was also located at an important trade route from the Levant, North Syria and Anatolia to Aššur. This is mirrored in the jewelry assemblage, which shows far reaching trading connections with raw stones, shells and manufactured products. There is evidence for stone and shell processing for jewelry purposes, but metal items were likely received from bronze working centers like Tell Brak, Chuera or Aššur. On Tell Sabi Abyad graves with cremations and inhumations were encountered. Often the graves yielded, beside various objects, jewelry. Not all graves contained jewelry and the graves with jewelry showed considerable variations in abundance. Two cremation graves have striking similarities in abundance and types of jewelry. Especially figurative, exotic types such as scarabs, frogs, duck weights and pomegranates are found in this context. Jewels were worn by females, males and children and often given into their graves. Women possessed likely the majority, but also man owned bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and needles. Striking is the find of two necklaces inside the tower of the fort. Some beads of the necklaces were in shape of phallus symbols and two small combs were likely pendants. Possibly these items belonged to prostitutes who lived in the tower, perhaps in captivity. The design resembles that of other treasures from that region; but Tell Rimah and Aššur show more variety and more wealth than those of the small village Sabi Abyad. Jewels from Sabi Abyad are not exceptional but are designed in Assyrian style typical for that region and period.Show less

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Middle Assyrian jewelry of Tell Sabi Abyad