ABSTRACT
TO the Bedouins of Arabia, the Markab has a significance such as the Palladium had to the Trojans. They all hold the belief that the possession of this symbol, much like the Israelitish “Ark of the Covenant,” means safety and power to the tribe holding it, while its loss spells disaster to the tribe and its subsequent dispersion. The Ruala have held it uninterruptedly for nearly a century and a half, but even to-day the sight of “Ishmaël’s camel-throne,” with the chosen maiden sitting on it in times of war, will inspire them to greater heroism. The warriors composing its guard of honour are the picked troops of the tribe. They vouch for its safety with life and limb; they are, above all others, the heroes of Arabia.
