2010-04-10 13:41:44
WAM Umm Al Qaiwain, Apr 10th, 2010 (WAM) -- A French archaeological mission in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities and Heritage has discovered the oldest fishing rites in the Arabian Peninsula that dates back to 3500-3200 BC.

An archaeological excavation held on an islet off the coast of Umm Al Qaiwain, close to the earlier fishing village of Al-Akab revealed that ancient fishing rites were conducted by tribesmen living in the region.

The bones of dugongs, a large marine mammal resembling a sea cow, were found symbolically arranged on a mound which experts believe was used for ceremonial purposes.

The team found that the dugong mound was only a small part of a much larger Neolithic site including the remains of circular homes.

WAM/AB