Author: Mohammed Alghamdi
Alghamdi, Mohammed, 2023 Exploration into Rock Art and Life at Jubbah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Evolution of the Culture and People as Communicated Through the Artistic Variations., Flinders University, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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Rock art is a valuable source of data in archaeology. As a reflection of particular time
periods in the past, it allows for the analysis of unique cultural traditions and helps historians
examine past events through the perspectives of particular communities. Engravings not only
depict certain events and processes but also demonstrate how they were perceived by people,
thus offering a valuable account of how people’s world views have shifted over time in
different locations. The current thesis is dedicated to a critical analysis of 43 motifs engraved
on three panels at Jubbah. The author applied the research philosophy of pragmatism, the
pedestrian survey design, and the method of thematic analysis to examine relevant features of
motifs, investigate the themes of these motifs in light of the relevant historical period, and
explore the implications of the motifs and themes for understanding pertinent social,
economic, and cultural processes related to Bedouin tribes. It was found that the panels were
created during the period between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. The themes
identified in the study mostly revolve around military issues and camel raiding activities. The
motifs provide unique insights into the military tactics used by Bedouin tribes, the role of
early firearms in disrupting the nature of warfare, and the involvement of dogs in battles. The
thesis offers a critical analysis of the themes in light of the literature review’s findings. The
study’s results made a substantial contribution to academic research by confirming the
significance of camel raiding practices for Bedouin tribes, providing new information about
the limitations of matchlocks in encounters with cavalry units, and offering new areas for
further research, such as the role of dogs in reducing the military advantage of equestrians.
Keywords: Jubbah rock art, pedestrian survey design, historical methodology, matchlocks, Bedouin tribes.
Subject: Archaeology thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2023
School: College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Supervisor: Daryl Wesley