AMMAN — A
Google Doodle posted on September 30 highlights a tribute to the enigmatic Ain Ghazal
statues. These have puzzled researchers and art enthusiasts alike for almost
four decades, according to the Google description.
اضافة اعلان
These hand-crafted pieces are estimated to be around 9,000
years old, stand as some of the earliest large-scale depictions of the human
form in the annals of history. It was on this day in 1983 that these
astonishing artifacts were first unearthed in the historical lands of Jordan.
The very existence of the
Ain Ghazal statues raises
intriguing questions about the motives of ancient sculptors. While researchers
have devoted countless hours to unraveling the mystery, the precise reasons
behind their creation remain elusive. What is known is that after these statues
served their purpose, our prehistoric ancestors deliberately buried them,
aligning them in an east-to-west orientation.
Archaeologists made their groundbreaking discovery in two
phases.
In 1983, they uncovered the first cache of these
subterranean wonders at the 'Ain Ghazal site, a significant Neolithic
archaeological site located in Jordan. Two years later, in 1985, a second group
of sculptures was unearthed, deepening the intrigue surrounding these ancient
relics.
The Ain Ghazal statues are a testament to the artistry and
skill of their creators. These exquisite figures portray men, women, and
children with astonishingly intricate features, including almond-shaped eyes,
prominent noses, and painstakingly detailed legs, toes, and even toenails.
These iconic statues have transcended time and place,
capturing the imagination of people worldwide. They can be admired today in
renowned galleries such as the Jordan Museum,
Jordan Archaeological Museum,
British Museum, and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Read more National news
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
