In Palmyra there were three main types of funerary sculpture: the plaque with relief carving, the sarcophagus and the free-standing statue (a statuary form which never gains much of a following and exists only sporadically in the first two centuries AD (Colledge, 63)). “Probably between AD 33 and 65/6, the carved plaque began a serious invasion of the tomb interior…Its introduction corresponds remarkably well with the appearance of the new, rationalized tower-tomb between AD 40 and 79” (Colledge, 63).
Unfinished panel. Judith McKenzie/Manar al-Athar
In the panel seen here, the man is shown reclining in a traditional Roman tunic and the woman is wearing more Eastern attire; aspects which are significant as they represent a willingness or social flexibility at the local level to combine Roman funerary tradition with indigenous stylistic elements. Her turban, veil and copious jewelry are of great interest. Women in the Greco-Roman world were often displayed wearing a veil or himation (often pulling it across their face as a show of modesty) yet, the additional turban element harkens to aspects of Eastern tradition. “Men seem always to wear the Greek tunic (chiton) and cloak (himation), as do women, except that they drape the cloak in a complex manner and add a veil” (Colledge, 64). The level of attention focused on the woman’s jewelry, especially her necklaces, reinforces an appreciation of the couple’s collective wealth. As such, we might extrapolate the couple lived in one of the upper echelons of society– perhaps involved in a particular aspect of the local economy or having established political connections through trade, thereby necessitating their nod to both Roman and local traditions.
Sarcophagus with reclining figure and horse. Sean Leatherbury/Manar al-Athar
The use of sarcophagi for burial grow in popularity around the mid-2nd century with increased popularity of the hypogea (Colledge, 63). Above we see a man reclining on the lid of a sarcophagus and joined by his horse. Inclusion of animals, such as horses, may be viewed as either a regional status symbol or indication of his profession in life– perhaps the man was a member of the cavalry, or a merchant. His Eastern style apparel (note the inclusion of pants), contrasts with the more traditional Roman garb of the figures gathered in the panel below. Additional Eastern elements are indicated on the side of the sarcophagus, which shows a man leading a camel; again perhaps alluding to the deceased man’s status as a merchant.
Sarcophagus with reclining figure and horse. Sean Leatherbury/Manar al-Athar
