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Stucco Fragments of a Horse and Rider. Umayyad, Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi, Syria
mid-8th century AD, National Museum, Damascus


Stucco carving was abundant in the Umayyad palace whose ruins are now known as Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi. The largest and most striking was this bas-relief of a mounted archer whose quiver hung from straps to a waist-belt, is within a local Middle Eastern style of horse archery. (National Museum, Damascus, Syria; David Nicolle photograph)
Source: p.28, EH - 071 - The Great Islamic Conquests AD 632-750 by David Nicolle



Referenced as figure 121 in The military technology of classical Islam by D Nicolle
121. Fragmented statue from Qaṣr al Ḥayr al Gharbī, mid-8th century AD, Syrian, National Museum, Damascus.



Referenced on p.6, The Armies of Islam 7th-11th Centuries by David Nicolle & Angus McBride
Umayyad art shows many cultural influences. Note Iranian-style quiver on this fragmented early 9th century statue of a horse-archer, from the desert palace of Qasr al Hayr al Gharbi. (National Museum, Damascus)



See also A detail photo of the horse archer on a floor painting, Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi, Syria, c.724-43AD
Illustrations of Arabian Costume and Soldiers
Other 8th Century Illustrations of Costume and Soldiers