Unity and diversity of the kite phenomenon: a comparative study between Jordan, Armenia and Kazakhstan

• Published in: Arabian archaeology and epigraphy Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 144 - 161
• Main Authors: Barge, Olivier, Brochier, Jacques Élie, Régagnon, Emmanuelle, Chambrade, Marie-Laure, Crassard, Rémy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; French
• Published: Malden Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.11.2015; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Archaeology and Prehistory; Armenia; Comparative studies; desert kites; GIS; Humanities and Social Sciences; Jordan; Kazakhstan; landscape archaeology; typology; GIS; Armenia; typology; landscape archaeology; desert kites; Jordan; Kazakhstan
• ISSN: 0905-7196; 1600-0471
• DOI: 10.1111/aae.12065

Desert kites are found across a vast region. This paper presents a detailed description of kites from the Harrat al‐Shaam region (Jordan) and proposes a comparative study, as well as an analysis of the morphology and organisation of kites known from Mount Aragats (Armenia) and the Ustyurt Plateau (Kazakhstan). A complete inventory of the structures in each region highlights their architectural characteristics and their spatial distribution in the landscape. Some preliminary results were obtained by comparing both regions: the core area in eastern Jordan, and peripheries—sometimes very distant—such as in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Chronological data were also compared, when available. All these different and complementary aspects were finally combined with satellite imagery analyses. The interactive process between satellite images and fieldwork observations has enriched both approaches, while yielding preliminary key elements of interpretation for a better understanding of the kite phenomenon on a global scale.