Religious and environmental significance of animal motifs on pottery

from the Meroitic period

Given the difficult circumstances the country is going through, including war and lack of security,
which significantly affect various aspects of life, these conditions necessitate choosing a (theoretical-
analytical) research methodology.

Research Title: (Religious and Environmental Significance of Animal Decorations on

Meroitic Period Pottery)

The research addresses the study of animal decorations and their importance during that period,
including religious beliefs and an examination of the Meroitic period. Pottery is one of the
archaeological materials frequently uncovered in surveys and excavations due to its abundance at
archaeological sites across different stages. Pottery also contributes to understanding the trajectory
of ancient cultural development. Meroitic pottery is distinguished by its decorations and colours,
and studying it helps in identifying historical civilizations and cultures.

Meroe is a Sudanese city located in northern Sudan on the eastern bank of the Nile River, with the
Meroitic period spanning from 270 to 350 AD. Decoration is one of the primary variables that attract
the observer before any other change, and decoration can vary from one vessel to another. The
beginnings of religions involved the worship of stones and trees, followed by a phase where humans
worshipped statues such as lions, frogs, and cows.

Research Plan:
 Research Objectives:
- Study animal motifs
- Study the religious and environmental beliefs of that period

 Importance of the Research:

- Understand which animals were worshipped in ancient times
- Understand the relationship between humans and animals
- Understand the importance of the environment in animal motifs

 Timeline:
- Research Method: Theoretical (Analysis and Description)

 Planned Duration:
- Two years
 Research Structure:
 Chapter One: Pottery and its importance
 Chapter Two: The Meroitic period
 Chapter Three: Animal motifs
 Chapter Four: Analysis of motifs and religious beliefs

Study Proposal:
Expected Research Costs:

Research Requirements the cost The

in cost in
Sudanese pounds euros
Master tuition fees at the 400,000 250
university
Laptop 500,000 312,5
Internet costs Cost over two years 90
144,000
Transportation from home Cost over two years 125
to offices and universities 200,000
Research 17,000 10,625
supplies (notebooks + printing)

This cost is subject to increase or decrease. I will provide the invoices and financial
transactions that were consumed. This research is an important step towards understanding
pottery and animal decorations, contributing to the understanding of religious beliefs, the
environment, and the relationship between humans animals , as well as identifying animals
that were worshipped in ancient times.