The regal creature of the Safaitic inscriptions: The camel, the symbol of civilisation

Camels, the majestic creatures of the desert, have long been revered as a symbol of civilisation. Their significance to human societies, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, cannot be overstated. They have served as an integral part of ancient and modern civilisations, seamlessly adapting to harsh weather conditions and challenging terrains.

Their remarkable ability to endure extended periods without water or food has made them invaluable for traversing the unforgiving desert landscapes. For centuries, camels have been utilised for transportation, carrying heavy loads and covering vast distances with ease. They have played a vital role in facilitating trade and commerce, while also holding cultural and religious significance for numerous civilisations.

One of history's most renowned camel caravans was the Silk Road, connecting China to the Mediterranean. This trade route facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas and cultural influences between the East and West, with camels serving as indispensable transporters of silk, spices and various commodities across the expansive desert.

Even in the present day, camels continue to hold great importance in various cultures and economies. They are utilised for transportation, trade and serve as popular attractions for tourists. Their legacy will endure for generations to come, symbolising strength, resilience and endurance.

In addition to their physical attributes, camels are also renowned for their exceptional memory, making them invaluable to Bedouins as navigators in the desert. Bedouins rely on camel's milk, believing that this dietary practice enhances their cognitive abilities. The adage "you are what you eat" resonates strongly with Bedouins, who firmly believe that consuming camel's milk aids in the long-term retention of information. This knowledge has been passed down through generations, with stories of Bedouins who vividly remember intricate details, particularly lengthy poet verses, from the moment they first heard them.

The recent discovery of a two-humped camel image in the southern Ural Mountains further emphasises the significance of camels in human and cultural heritage. Dating back between 14,500 and 37,700 years, this artwork predates the presence of camels in the region, suggesting the artist may have travelled a considerable distance to create this piece. This discovery not only sheds light on the historical presence of camels but also showcases the artistic values and skills of our ancestors, highlighting the enduring importance of camels in human history and cultural heritage.

Camels have been highly regarded not only for their utilitarian value but also for their aesthetic appeal, as evidenced by the prevalence of camel drawings on Safaitic volcanic stones in northern Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria dating back to 1000 BC. These inscriptions depict camels as both functional and visually pleasing animals, incorporating various artistic elements. Line, texture and composition are skilfully utilised to create aesthetically pleasing art, capturing the grace and beauty of these creatures.

The Safaitic Rock Art, dominated by camel drawings, showcases the range of writing styles and techniques employed by the ancient Arab people. These inscriptions provide insights into the lives and cultures of the Bedouins who inhabited the region. The Safaitic script, primarily used by nomadic tribes in the Arabian Peninsula between the 1st century BCE and the 4th century CE, was commonly inscribed on rocks. Camel inscriptions further attest to the widespread use of this writing system among the ancient Bedouins.

Camel inscriptions in the Safaitic Rock Art exhibit diverse forms, including single-letter inscriptions representing the owner's name or tribe, full-name inscriptions providing additional details, camel inscriptions featuring tribal symbols or emblems, numerical markings indicating the quantity of owned camels, and decorative motifs such as geometric patterns, or abstract symbols.

It is no wonder that the camel holds a position of prominence in the animal kingdom in Arab culture, with the Arab Bank even adopting it as a symbol for their logo. These magnificent creatures embody the spirit of the desert and the civilisations that have relied on them for centuries.

In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the admiration for camels continues in the form of beauty contests that have become cherished traditions. These contests celebrate the natural allure of these majestic creatures, without any artificial enhancements. Meticulous evaluation based on colour, breed and specific features such as lips covering teeth, a regal head and a slender neck takes place. Judges even pay attention to details like long eyelashes, a long and wide nose, and the shape of ears and humps. The preference for curly hair adds an extra touch of elegance.

As we explore the ancient Safaitic inscriptions and the enduring cultural significance of camels, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between humans and these regal creatures. Their resilience, adaptability and contributions to civilisation make them a symbol of strength and endurance, forever etched in the annals of history.