ANCIENT DILMUN FURNITURE

The Dilmun civilization developed on the Western shore of the Persian Gulf ca.3000-324 BC left little shreds of evidence of its existence among them seals which reveal social and ritual scenes. Mainly the seals found in the two main centers of the civilization Bahrain and the Island of Failaka Kuwait were designed and used by merchants who wanted to stamp their products. In many Dilmun seals square or rectangular hatched shapes appear which in some cases may be shrines storage boxes doors shields or animal cages made with palm tree branches. However we must exclude palm tree wood to construct musical instruments and furniture. These items can be constructed mainly from solid wood. Regarding the Dilmun furniture besides some storage boxes mentioned above many seats and tables are depicted fabricated with solid wood. The variety of furniture depicted on seals includes stools chairs thrones and tables only since there are no survivors neither reliefs painted pottery burial models coins wall paintings or any other artifacts to expose further evidence.