Mursi ox modification in the Lower Omo Valley and the interpretation of cattle rock art in Ethiopia
Insoll, T; Clack, T; Rege, O
Date: 1 January 2015
Journal
Antiquity
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP) / Antiquity Publications
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Cattle are a key focus of traditional pastoralist societies in eastern Africa and also figure prominently in the rock art of the region. In both contexts, their cultural and social significance is underscored by colour and decoration. The contemporaryMursi of southwest Ethiopia transform favourite oxen in various ways, including horn ...
Cattle are a key focus of traditional pastoralist societies in eastern Africa and also figure prominently in the rock art of the region. In both contexts, their cultural and social significance is underscored by colour and decoration. The contemporaryMursi of southwest Ethiopia transform favourite oxen in various ways, including horn alteration, ear cutting and decorative pattern branding. These practices may provide direct insight into cattle portrayal in Ethiopian rock art, where abstract or non-realistic symbols depicted on cattle coats could indicate the modification, alteration or beautification of cattle in prehistoric societies.
Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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