Context: Camels and Fate

This object is a camel statuette composed of a cast copper alloy. It is inscribed on both laterals in Ancient South Arabian. It is clearly distinguishable as a camel, with four erect legs, a stubby tail, and a curved neck iconic to camels. Although its humps are not entirely visible, there is an oddly shaped saddle accentuating the form of the humps, which seems to complete the shape. The inscriptions on the image of the camel can be identified as lighter, linear indentations on the side of its torso. It has eroded considerably, with the colours of rust orange and copper patina creeping through every part of the statuette. This object is relevant and important to the understanding of the poem, especially with the imagery of hunting and knightly duels in the tribal deserts of Arabia. The camel statuette appears passive, looking into the distance blankly, as if it is staring at fate and death straight in its eyes but is incapable of intersecting it. Much like the animals described in the ayniyyah, this camel can neither predict nor prevent its inexorable death.