Desert kite

Head of Samar west Desert Kite

Desert kites are ancient stone structures found in the deserts of the Middle East and other arid regions. These constructions, dating back to prehistoric times, are named for their kite-like appearance from the air. They consist of long stone walls converging towards a confined space, which is believed to have been used for hunting wild animals, particularly gazelles. The walls of desert kites were designed to guide animals towards a pit or enclosure where they could be easily trapped and killed.

History and Distribution

Desert kites were first identified in the early 20th century when pilots flew over the deserts of Jordan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. Subsequent research has found their presence in other countries, including Israel, Iraq, and Kazakhstan, indicating a wide distribution across the arid regions of Western Asia and beyond. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the oldest of these structures could date back to over 5,000 years ago, making them significant archaeological artifacts for understanding prehistoric hunting practices.

Structure and Function

The typical desert kite consists of two or more long walls, sometimes extending for several kilometers, which gradually converge into an enclosed area or pit. These walls were constructed from local stones and were carefully designed to be low enough to not be visible to the animals from a distance, yet effective in guiding them towards the trap. The enclosed area at the end of the kite was often lined with stone slabs or had a pit, which prevented the trapped animals from escaping.

Researchers believe that desert kites were used by prehistoric communities to hunt large numbers of animals, particularly during migration seasons. This method of hunting allowed for the efficient capture and slaughter of multiple animals at once, providing food, skins, and other resources for the community.

Archaeological Significance

Desert kites are of great archaeological interest as they provide insights into the hunting practices, social organization, and engineering skills of prehistoric societies. They are also indicative of the environmental conditions of the past, suggesting that these areas, now deserts, were once populated by large herds of wild animals. The study of desert kites contributes to our understanding of human adaptation to arid environments and the development of early architectural and engineering projects.

Conservation

Many desert kite structures are threatened by modern development, including agriculture, urban expansion, and mining activities. Efforts are being made to document and preserve these ancient constructions, with some sites being proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Conservation of desert kites is crucial for protecting this aspect of the world's cultural heritage and ensuring that future generations can study and learn from these remarkable structures.

See Also

• Archaeology of the Near East
• Prehistoric technology
• Ancient engineering