Life-sized Neolithic camel sculptures in Arabia: A scientific assessment of the craftsmanship and age of the Camel Site reliefs

The life-sized, naturalistic reliefs at the Camel Site in northern Arabia have been severely damaged by erosion. This, coupled with substantial destruction of surrounding archaeological landscape, has made a chronological assessment site difficult. To overcome these problems, we combined results from wide range methods, including analysis surviving tool marks, weathering and erosion patterns, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, luminescence dating fallen fragments. In addition, test excavations identified homogenous lithic assemblage faunal remains that were sampled for radiocarbon dating. Our show carved stone tools creation reliefs, as well main period activity site, date to Neolithic. Neolithic arrowheads dates attest occupation between 5200 5600 BCE. This is consistent measurements areal density manganese iron rock varnish. was likely use over longer re-worked when began obscure detailed features. By 1000 BCE, advanced enough cause first panels fall, process continues until today. home oldest large-scale (naturalistic) animal world.