The Sasanian relief at Rag-i Bibi (Northern Afghanistan)

Abstract

This chapter examines the rock carving in Rag-i Bibi in northern Afghanistan. The rock carving is situated a kilometre south of the village of Shamarq and its name literally means Veins of the Lady; which, according to local sources, refers to Bibi Fatima. The chapter also discusses iconographic and historical comments on Rag-i Bibi and evaluates the application of three-dimensional laser scanning to the Rag-i Bibi relief.

Ancient and Medieval Cultures of Central Asia (The Formation, Development and Interaction of Urbanized and Cattle-Breeding Societies)

“…Th e rock relief at Rag-i Bibi located near the village of Shamarq in Northern Afghanistan had scientifi cally been discovered in 2002 (but local inhabitants were aware of it before) and was shortly published -initially and very briefl y by F. Grenet (2006) and then, in much greater detail, by F. Grenet together with J. Lee, Ph. Martinez and F. Ory (Grenet et al 2007). Without much ado and strong argumentation F. Grenet attributed it as Sasanian, and later this opinion was sustained by several scholars.…”

Sasanian Empire, Archaeology of the

“…Another letter refers to a "fortress commander," emphasizing the commercial and military interventions brought about by Sasanian involvement. A monumental rock carving at Rag-i Bibi in Afghanistan, Sasanian in style but with local Kushan themes and fauna (such as the royal hunt of a rhinoceros), demonstrates the diverse potentials for imperial and local interaction (Grenet et al 2007).…”

The Rock Relief at Rag-I Bibi: Can It Be Considered as Sasanian?

“…Sauer et al 2013 Th e rock relief at Rag-i Bibi located near the village of Shamarq in Northern Afghanistan had scientifi cally been discovered in 2002 (but local inhabitants were aware of it before) and was shortly published -initially and very briefl y by F. Grenet (2006) and then, in much greater detail, by F. Grenet together with J. Lee, Ph. Martinez and F. Ory (Grenet et al 2007). Without much ado and strong argumentation F. Grenet attributed it as Sasanian, and later this opinion was sustained by several scholars.…”