Tangible and Intangible Cultural Landscape of Wadi Bani Kharus

The Tangible & Intangible Cultural Landscape of Wadi Bani Kharus: Investigations in the Sultanate of Oman presents the result of the project sponsored by Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Culture (now Heritage and Tourism) to survey one of the country’s most significant valleys. The primary objective was to gain greater understanding of the area’s past and present through its tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Traditional archaeological methods were bridged with those of cultural anthropology to create a wider lens for exploration and analysis. The book provides an eclectic overview of the wadi’s twenty-nine communities including ancient fortresses and water distribution systems, sundials, cemeteries, tombstones and period architecture in addition to oral histories highlighting past lifeways and recent transformations.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Editorial Notes

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

1. Petroglyphs and Rock Inscriptions

2. Ancient Fortifications

3. Ancient Settlements

4. Ancient Cemeteries, Graves and Inscriptions

5. An Ancient Technology for Today’s Inhabitants

6. Yesterday and Today: Traditions, Customs and Adaptations

7. Lower-Wadi Settlements

8. Mid-Wadi Settlements

9. Upper-Wadi Settlements

10. Lessons for Moving Forward

Arabic Summary