A recent discovery in northern Kuwait has captivated archaeologists- – a small, unusual clay head, thought to be around 7,500 years old, has been discovered at the Bahra 1 site in the Al-Subiyah desert, as presented by a recent report in ‘Science Alert.’ This strange sculpture, with its long skull, narrow eyes, and lack of a mouth, resembles the ‘snake person’ figurines known from the ancient Ubaid culture. But what is the meaning behind this unusual artifact, and what can it tell us about the people who created it?
Who were the Ubaid people?
As per the reports presented by various online media sources, the Ubaid culture progressed in the region between 5500 and 4900 BCE, long before the beginning of the Sumerians. Although they didn’t leave written records, their material remains offer a glimpse into their way of life. The Ubaid people are known to be one of the first in the region to develop agriculture, trade, and early forms of urban living. They built the foundation for the later development of Mesopotamian civilizations.
Image credit: Adam Oleksiak/CAS UW
As per the sources, at the Bahra 1 site, researchers have uncovered a wealth of evidence about the Ubaid people’s daily lives, from elegant pottery workshops to what looks like a building used for religious rituals. Among the finds is the mysterious snake-head figurine, which may reveal more about their spiritual beliefs and practices.
The Snake-Head figurine: What does it mean?
The clay head found at Bahra 1 is immensely captivating because it is very similar to the other ‘snake person’ figurines, often found at Ubaid sites. These figurines are typically slim, with elongated bodies and reptilian heads- – some look like snakes, others like lizards or birds. Many of them have markings on their bodies that resemble scales, and their eyes are often large and oval.
While it is not proven what these figurines meant, most archaeologists think they had an important symbolic or religious role. Some believe they could represent gods, spirits, or other powerful beings, most probably linked to fertility, protection, or the afterlife. Given the strange features of the snake head found at Bahra 1, it’s possible that it was part of a larger figurine with a similar meaning.
Life and trade in the Ubaid world
As mentioned by the sources, with the snake-head figurine, the Bahra 1 site has revealed much about the daily life of the Ubaid people, especially their pottery and trade practices. One of the most important discoveries was a pottery workshop where a distinctive type of pottery, known as ‘Coarse Red Ware,’ was made. This pottery had been found in other Ubaid sites, but the origins of its production were unclear until the workshop was revealed at Bahra 1.
The pottery also consists of hints of plant material, which provides us with clues about the Ubaid environment and agriculture. Wild plants, like reeds, were mixed with cultivated crops such as barley and wheat. This suggests that the Ubaid people were not only farmers but also involved in trade, such as pottery, which is believed to have been exchanged around a wide area.
What did snakes represent for the Ubaid people?
The snake-like figures found in Ubaid art may have been more than just decorative. Throughout history, snakes have often been symbols of fertility, healing, and even the afterlife. It’s possible that the Ubaid people saw snakes as powerful symbols, most likely representing gods or spirits that helped them thrive through life and death, as presented in the data by various media sources.
The snake-head figurine discovered at Bahra 1 might have been used in religious ceremonies or rituals, either for protection, fertility, or spiritual guidance. Its presence in graves suggests that it could have been associated with the afterlife, offering a connection between the living and the spiritual world.
Uncovering the Ubaid legacy
The discovery of the snake-head figurine gives us a lot of new insights when it comes to understanding the Ubaid culture. These people weren’t just skilled in farming and trade- – they had a rich spiritual life, as seen in their art and rituals. The snake resemblance in their figurines points to deep beliefs about life, death, and the forces of nature.
