These two flat stones are decorated on both faces with motifs that are difficult to identify and whose meaning remains uncertain. The archaeologists at al-Ǧurf al-ʾAḥmar site believe the markings to express a symbolic message. Certain researchers are even tempted to interpret them as a primitive form of writing.
Provenance: Al-Ǧurf al-ʾAḥmar, Syria.
Age: Neolithic (circa 9000 BC).
Material: basalt.
Dimensions: 5.7 x 3.7 x .7 cm.
Photo: François Tremblay and Jacques Lessard.
A collection of the National Museum of Damascus.
Michel Fortin, Syria, Land of Civilization. Les Éditions de l'Homme, Musée de la Civilisation de Québec 1999.
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