AN ARTISTIC AND MYTHOLOGICAL STUDY OF A NABATAEAN FEMALE SPHINX FROM PETRA, JORDAN

Authors

  • Eyad R. Almasri Hashemite University, Queen Rania Institute of Tourism and Heritage, Zarqa, Jordan
  • Fardous K Hashemite University, Queen Rania Institute of Tourism and Heritage, Zarqa, Jordan
  • Al-Ajlouny Hashemite University, Queen Rania Institute of Tourism and Heritage, Zarqa, Jordan
  • Raed Y. Alghazawi Hashemite University, Queen Rania Institute of Tourism and Heritage, Zarqa, Jordan

Keywords:

Nabataeans, Petra, Sphinx, Sculpture, relief statue, Sandstone

Abstract

In 1967 a group of sculptures was discovered in Petra during clearance works organised by the Department of Antiquities in Jordan in the Temenos of Qasr el Bint around the Temenos Gate. One of these sculptures was a high relief statue of a female sphinx.

Due to the paucity of information about this statue, this paper has been written to answer a number of questions: What was its original site or monument? When was it made? Who was the deity or deities it represented? Could there be another interpretation of its existence?

The answers to the above provide enlightenment of Nabataean styles of carvings and an insight into their religious thoughts.

Rgarding the interpretation of the Female Sphinx. Three ideas have been suggested. First, it can be the main Nabataean goddess Allat, “the mother of the gods”. Second, it is an image of Petra as a goddess. Third, it is carved on the Temenos Gate as a guardian of Petra city in general and its holy monuments like temples and tombs in particular.

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Published

2023-07-27

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2012)

Section

Articles