The Tomb at Tell Abraq (ca. 2100–2000 BC)

Abstract

The tomb at Tell Abraq (c. 2200–2000 BC) was the repository for over 400 individuals of all ages and sexes. Situated on the Arabian Gulf near Sharjah and Um al-Quwain in the United Arab Emirates, the tomb contained the commingled remains of at least 276 adults and 127 subadults. Of the subadults, there was a relatively high frequency of premature (28%) and newborn (9%) infants in the tomb. This overview provides the demographic structure of the tomb population based on a detailed MNI study and the complex nature of the mortuary program. Based on the overall MNI determined by the talus bone, observed versus expected ratios show that many long bones and hands and feet bones are underrepresented. We propose that these can be accounted for by other excavation and retrieval strategies. The mortuary program appears to be what Boz and Hager have described as being “primary disturbed.” Grossly underrepresented elements, such as the cranium, could have been removed and used in other contexts. This late Bronze Age tomb is unusual in many ways and does not fit any Umm an Nar patterns.