Royal Ontario Museum - Tomb relief of a woman - Palmyra, Syria - Roman Imperial period, about 100-200 AD. Object Number: 953X94.3. Dimensions: 58.4 × 43.2 × 24.8 cm.

Palmyra was an important city and trading center at the western end of the Silk Road, now in modern Syria. This, One type of grave, the tomb-tower, was a heavy square construction up to five stories high. The interior was furnished with superimposed rows of compartments, each closed by a slab of limestone sculpted in relief and featuring the bust of the deceased. Their sculpture is distinguished by its eastern style characterized, by a stylized, linear treatment of form. 

This was especially evident in their facial features, the frontal head with staring eyes, and the stiff treatment of drapery. The inscriptions, in Aramaic, identify the deceased. She is obviously holding spindle and spool, representing textile production. More likely local production of textiles from wool though. Limestone, inscribed "Akmath, daughter of Horah, Alas!"

Credit line：Gift of Mr. Walter Massey

(Executive Editor: Ye Ke)