A Workshop for Bones Manufacturing In the First Half of the Second Millennium B.C in Damascus

Abstract

In Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, the art of marquetry, such as decorating luxurious furniture and boxes has developed. The artisans invented innovative methods to decorate wood by ornamenting small areas of it with semi-precious stones, bones, ivory and shells. They produced masterpieces of fancy furniture indicating a luxurious lifestyle in the places. These manufactured products, were one of the aspect of the civil life in Damascus during the first half of the second century B.C.

Therefore, based on the results of the archaeological excavations in Tell Sakka, which is located in the valley of Damascus (al-Ghouta), the research will present the craft of bone manufacturing and wood incrustation, as a craft possibly established under the supervision of the palace in order to provide its needs.