Trade and faith in Nubian Early Makuria (AD 450–550): macroscopic examination of personal adornments from el-Zuma in Nubia

Abstract

In the long history of the land between the Third and Fourth Cataracts on the Nile, the period corresponding to the times of Early Makuria is particularly well represented. The el-Zuma tumuli cemetery has been dated to the Early Makuria Phase II (AD 450–550). Although the graves were heavily robbed, the remains of personal adornments (beads, pendants, rings, and an earring) give a broad overview of materials (marine mollusk shell, coral, ostrich eggshell, stone, metal, faience, glass) and techniques applied in their production. A comparative synopsis of contemporary Nubian adornments shows parallels for the objects from el-Zuma. Moreover, the provenance of the materials and manufacturing techniques suggests el-Zuma’s involvement in regional and longdistance exchange during this period. Finally, the presence of a Christian symbol and imported beads in the el-Zuma tumuli is meaningful in itself.