The deacon and the dove: on some early Christian (?) grave stelae from al-Maqsha and Shakhura (Bahrain).

Three grave stelae in the Bahrain National Museum are discussed. Their iconography and possible Christian affinities are explored, as well as the earlier, non-Christian background of several symbols attested. Comparisons are made with the situation at Hatra where a broadly Parthian style is encountered on statuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]