Bedouin Tribes of the Karak Region

Eveline J. van der Steen

Instructor Helps

This paper deals with one aspect of ethnoarchaeology, namely the tribal aspects of the social and political organization of Near Eastern society. Its starting point is that tribalism has always been a major factor in the society, and its influence on that society is demonstrated using the Karak Plateau in the 18th and 19th century as a case study.

The paper can be used as a case study by teachers of ethnoarchaeology in order to clarify the social organization of a tribal society, and ask the question whether there are traces in the archaeological record that suggest this presence in other periods. Some material remains to look for are: development of settlement patterns and distribution of cultural traits (architecture and possibly pottery). Some periods provide ample written sources (Late Bronze and Iron Ages, Roman and Byzantine period for example) can also provide valuable evidence.

1. The first question to ask here is of course: is this comparison justified? Can we compare pre-modern bedouin and tribal societies with the distant past? Finding and formulating arguments in favour and against this thesis would specify the issue and inevitably generate related questions.

2. Further study of the historical sources (travel accounts and 19th century ethnographic sources) aimed at specific themes can be used to search for comparable parallels that may help interpret archaeological remains. Possible subjects to study could be:

   • The development over time of one specific tribe, the way its territory changes and its interaction with other tribes. The Beni Sakhr or the Howeitat are very suitable for this purpose, but there are numerous others.

   • The influence of major international events on the social and tribal structure of the region. A possible case study would be the changes in territory and power after each change in government in the Islamic period, starting with the Islamic conquest, and the Abassid, Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman takeovers. This may then be used to gain insight into the effects on society of major political events in the distant past, and to explain the historical record from that point of view.