Petra Tour: Jabal al-Khubtha
The most unusual and mind-blowing view of the Treasury from the vantage point of Jabal al-Khubtha, high above the Khazneh.
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In the center, a votive niche carved in the rock face, which probably had a relief stele or obelisk, called nefesh at each side.
© Photo: Haupt & Binder
The most unusual and mind-blowing view of the Treasury from the vantage point of Jabal al-Khubtha, high above the Khazneh.
Freestanding stone pillars shaped like an obeliskoid pilaster or a pointed cone, or in bas-relief or graffito, roughly carved or engraved into rock-faces, often with a blossom/pinecone or a stylized crown at the top. Many nefeshes are set upon a base, where the name of the dead person is given. Often various nefeshes are grouped together. The Semitic word "npš" means “life,” “person,” or “soul.” It denotes a dead person and is used in this sense for a memorial marker.
Examples: Obelisk Tomb (Bab as-Siq); Obelisks (Jabal al-Madhbah); Tomb BD 825 (see details)