Symbols of Dilmun's royal house – a primitive system of communication adopted from the late Indus world?

Abstract

This article presents evidence of a system of symbolic markings, which developed in Dilmun between c.1950 and 1500 BC. The symbols predominantly appear on pottery, tokens and seals and may originally have been inspired by similar systems in the post-Indus script period of the Harappan culture. There was a development over time from single symbols on pottery and tokens to more complex sequences on seals that ultimately formed irregular logograms. The system was developed as a means of communication in an illiterate society. Based on the shape of the symbols and related evidence it is argued that they all represent variations on the theme of palm branches, palm trees and altars and that they are connected to the cult of Inzak. From the contexts in which the symbols appear it is demonstrated that the symbols were exclusive to Dilmun's royal house and temple institutions.

Dilmun Boat shaped votive bowls for the Moon‐god Nanna?

“…The scene also contains two palm‐branch symbols, and it has previously been argued that the symbol of Inzak, the principal deity of Dilmun, was in fact a date palm branch (Al Nashef, 1986: 346). It has been further suggested that the palm branch became a religious symbol for Dilmun’s royal dynasty entombed at A’ali in Bahrain (Laursen, 2016; 2017) and this may explain its frequent appearance in the glyptic art. This probable reference to Inzak appears as a large upright palm branch behind the bull and another small palm branch from which the bull appears to be eating.…”

The Chronology of the Ganeshwar Jodhpura Culture: A Reassessment Based on Graffiti and Cross-Cultural Comparisons

“…This practice helped archaeologists greatly to trace trade patterns throughout the Roman empire and eventually also to establish a chronology for the Roman empire. Prasad and Singh Ancient Asia DOI: 10.5334/aa.238 Laursen (2016) divides potters marks into four groups i.e.…”