Statue from the temple in El Khereib

myminifactory

It is hardly astonishing that the manner and character of both ancient Arabic architecture and sculpture indicate a complex amalgamation of influences, initially from Egypt or Mesopotamia and subsequently from the classical culture of the Mediterranean region. In public edifices—primarily temples dedicated to deities of an Arabian pantheon—the long-standing tradition of exquisite ashlar masonry (of chiseled or squared stone) and ornate sculpting is readily apparent. Sculpture also features a wide array of intricately carved memorial stelae and freestanding votive statues, often crafted from alabaster. These are notable for their primitive yet distinctive style of portraiture or symbolism. In ornate friezes, some Arabic motifs are easily recognizable—for instance, the alternation between bucrania (ox heads adorned with ribbons or garlands) and ibex (wild goat) heads.