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Stone with three distinct facets discovered in Qatar
© Qatar National Museum
Shaping the Qatar Peninsula (Quaternary)
Object Name: Ventifact
Period: Shaping the Qatar Peninsula (Quaternary)
Date: 2 million – 4,000 years ago
Dimensions: 16.3 mm (H) x 94.6 mm (W) x 17.2 mm (D)
Medium: stone
Registration Number: QNM.2011.660.6.1
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The object is a ventifact, which is a pebble or stone that has developed one or more flattened and polished facets as a result of windblown sand abrasion. This particular ventifact is called a dreikanter, as it has three distinct facets.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT QATAR
The waters of the Gulf rose and fell as glaciers retreated and advanced across the world. Sea levels stabilised around 4,000 years ago, defining the coastline of Qatar as we know it today.
Displayed here are desert roses. These clusters of minerals and sand grains occur when salty ground water evaporates in very dry conditions. They probably formed in the past 6,000 years, when Qatar became arid enough for them to develop. Desert roses inspired the architecture of the National Museum of Qatar.
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Gallery 1