Sunday 15 / December / 2024
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announces the publication of “Landscapes of Death: Early Bronze Age Tombs and Funerary Rituals on the Oman Peninsula” by Dr. Kimberly D. Williams.
This highly anticipated work is the twelfth issue in the acclaimed series “Archaeological Heritage of Oman”, published in collaboration with Archaeopress Publishing, Oxford, UK.
In “Landscapes of Death”, Dr. Williams, an esteemed funerary archaeologist from Temple University, USA, provides an in-depth exploration of ancient funerary practices in Oman, focusing on the spectacular Bronze Age tombs that are still a distinguished characteristic of Oman’s landscape.
Drawing on her extensive research experience with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Sultan Qaboos University, Dr. Williams meticulously examines the construction, use, and cultural significance of Bronze Age tombs and burials.
Her work reveals a complex tapestry of architectural skills, ritual practices, and belief systems that characterised the era.
Moving beyond simple descriptions, this study illuminates the diverse methodologies and rituals associated with these ancient structures, highlighting variations across different communities and time periods. “Landscapes of Death” is an invaluable repository of current data, documenting all known Early Bronze Age funerary monuments in Oman.
It includes detailed records of skeletal remains and grave goods, providing a comprehensive reference for future research.
This publication not only serves as a critical resource for scholars interested in Oman’s history but also offers heritage students and enthusiasts a compelling introduction to funerary archaeology and its insights into prehistoric life.
Dr. Kimberly D. Williams is a distinguished scholar and a leading figure in archaeology.
She is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Temple University in Philadelphia, USA.
Dr. Williams’ research encompasses genetics, bioarchaeology, and funerary archaeology, with a significant focus on Oman.
Since 2008, she has led numerous excavations of funerary monuments across Oman, from Dhofar to Al-Batinah Governorates, and also served as visiting professor to Sultan Qaboos University.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is delighted to contribute this significant work to the academic community and looks forward to the continued exploration and understanding of Oman’s rich archaeological heritage.
