The Development of Nabat Aean Sculpture at Petra and Khirbet Tannur

Abstract

A re-examination of the sculptural fragments from Kirbet Tannur shows that they are related to the distinct stratigraphical periods of the altar pedestal. This reveals a consistency within each period, as well as developments between the periods, which were not distinguished by Glueck. The sculpture at Petra is examined in relation to the chronology of the principal monuments. The same developments are observed at both: the classical features are strongest in the earlier examples, while they are gradually simplified in the later examples as a Nabataean style develops. A list of the sculpture at Petra is included.