Omari, El-

Omari, El- 

a Neolithic archaeological culture (fourth millennium B.C.) that flourished in Lower Egypt. It was named after the settlement of El-Omari, near Helwan.

Traces of lightweight reed huts and grain pits were discovered in the settlements, as well as burials with the dead, wrapped in reed mats or hides, placed in a flexed position on the left side, without burial inventory. Excavations also yielded flint implements, such as blades of composite sickles, knives, and arrowheads, as well as implements made of other stones, including polished adzes, hoes, and saddlequerns. Fishhooks made of shell were also discovered. Vessels were made of clay and included straight-walled jars and spherical bottles; some were made of basalt. Hunting, fishing, and gathering played a significant role in the economy, along with the farming of wheat, barley, flax, and vetch and the raising of oxen, goats, and dogs.

REFERENCES

Childe, V. G. Drevneishii Vostok v svete novykh raskopok. Moscow, 1956. (Translated from English.)
Hayes, W. C. “Most Ancient Egypt.” Journal of Near Eastern Studies, 1964, vol. 23.