Despite the harshness of the desert environment and the scarcity of basic resources such as clay, water and standing, the residents of the oasis (an important archaeological settlement located in the Tabuk region in northwestern Saudi Arabia) were able to develop a unique pottery collection, characterized by geometric drawings in black and red, and decorated with stylized drawings of animals and human figures. These pottery vessels were found in the region, indicating that they were a sought-after and widely traded commodity. Read more: A study reveals the secrets of a pharaonic tomb used for about 500 years. Marta Luciani, a researcher at the University of Vienna and the lead author of the study published in the journal PLOS One, said: “We discovered that the inhabitants of the oases in the Bronze Age were not just marginal communities living on the edge, but rather they were creative and resourceful, so they made their own pottery, which they cherished in their homes and exported abroad.” In this study, the researchers analyzed the pottery fragments from several aspects, including visual identity, chemical composition, continuity of production, the spread of export, and even the extent to which others imitate this pottery, and its cultural reputation in the region. The scholars explained that the concept of “brand” in this case was not through logos or packaging, but rather through a distinctive production method and unique visual characteristics that made these pottery famous and in demand. Read more: A metal from outside our world in rings worn by the nobles of an ancient Mediterranean civilization. Luciani added: “Our study goes beyond archaeology, to shed light on the relationship between humans and natural resources in harsh environments, and reveals the economic mechanisms that regulated the relationship between producers and consumers over time.” The study showed that the production of this pottery began about 3,600 years ago, continued for many centuries, and developed over time to include more complex drawings of animals and ritual scenes by 3,200 BC. Doralis Klinczyk, co-author of the study, said: “This pottery became a well-known brand and was exported hundreds of kilometers north to the southern Levant, reaching the Timna Temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Hathor, and south to other regions in the Arabian Peninsula.” Read more Mummified human remains turn the myth of the "Mummy's Curse" into reality! She added that the tradition of making this pottery did not stop there, but rather continued in the oasis itself for another thousand years, until the late Iron Age, which reflects the continuity and prosperity of this craft. The study concludes that trademarks are not a recent invention as many believe, but rather have existed for thousands of years in the form of unique goods distinguished by their production methods and visual characteristics. The study also provides a new way to understand how trade relations between producers and consumers were organized in ancient times, which may help in understanding the dynamics of trade throughout history. Source: Independent
