This is an unfinished sculpture roughly chiseled out of a cubical block. The form of a man standing on a rectangular pedestal is nevertheless readily identifiable. The left upper extremity is sharply bent at the elbow, with the left hand resting on the left lower chest. The right upper extremity forms a right angle at the elbow and the right forearm leans on a piece of rock on top of a small circular hut, the door of which has a rectangular frame and the interior is hollowed. The person is clad in a kilt with a knotted belt at the navel. Two straps descend from this knot down to the lower hem of the kilt. The object on the back vaguely resembles a backpack.
The piece is coated with a dark bluish opalescent patina.
Provenance: as-Suwaydāʾ. Acquired by the Museum on April 19, 1947.
Era: first to third century CE.
Substance: basalt.
Dimensions: H 94 cm, W 56, D 50 cm.
Text: adapted from Weber (p. 109).
Collection: National Museum of Damascus.
Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.
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