This paper presents the case study of a third millennium BC grave in Al-Arid, Ibri, Oman.
The excavation and the analysis of the grave have been carried out during the archaeological rescue excavation project, directed by Dr. Sabatino Laurenza for the Ministry of Heritage and Culture of Oman, related to the works for the duplication of the road between Ibri and Yanqul, in Northern Oman.
Controversial and interesting is the dating of the tomb: the structure is close to Umm an-Nar type (2600‑2000 BC), while the only element found inside it is a biconical small jar ascribable to Jemdet Nasr, Mesopotamian culture (3100-2900 BC). While the contacts between Jemdet Nasr culture and Hafit culture (3200-2800 BC) are already well known, our case study seems to represent a transitional moment between Hafit and Umm an-Nar cultures. Extremely interesting, at the same time, is the presence of skeletal remains only inside of the biconical small jar, while funeral chambers are completely empty.
