Tombs of Hegra

Tomb decoration at Hegra is rich in architectural detail and stylistic influences from the many civilisations with whom the Nabataean population was in contact, truly emphasising Hegra’s role at the crossroads of trading networks.
Common to the majority of the facades across Hegra are the use of columns, topped by capitals. There is much variation in the style and decoration of the capitals themselves, and as with many of the architectural features of Hegra’s tombs can illustrate the Nabataean practice of utilising and adapting stylistic influences, from the wider world with which they were connected, into their own architectural style.
Tomb IGN 113, to which this column capital belongs, is located within the Jabal al-Ahmar group. Its delicate carving represents a basket of acanthus leaves.
Other decorative features of the tomb include the typical vases and eagle, whose feathers were carved by chisel and sawtooth tools. The smaller feathers of the eagle’s wings form oval rings with central veins in relief, as can also be seen in tombs IGN 22, IGN 24, IGN 44 and IGN 111.