Typology Revisited and Summary/Conclusion
In reality, the five examples from Mudaybi’ plus `Ain Sara and Amman have certain features that suggest they should form a separate type:
Unlike the Ramat Rahel and Jerusalem examples, the Mudaybi’, `Ain Sara and Amman examples all have two outlines along the sides of the isosceles triangle rather than three.
Also unlike Ramat Rahel and Jerusalem, the Mudaybi’, `Ain Sara and Amman examples all have a base line for the triangle. The `Ain Sara capital has a double base line.
Likewise distinct from the other Type E examples, the Jordanian examples which are virtually complete do not have a notch in the abacus, nor as prominent an abacus.
Unlike all the other Type E examples, and all the other types, the Jordanian examples (except for Amman Capital A-2) have the outer portion of the volute formed by three nearly equally wide spirals. In all the capitals from Israel and Amman Citadel A-2, the central spiral of the volute is much wider and much more prominent than the other two.
Finally, Md-1, Md-2 and Md-5 have one end of the capital shaped and one end squared off, perhaps where it abutted a wall.
To summarize, the evidence of the Mudaybi’, `Ain Sara and Amman Citadel Capital A-1 suggests a nearly identical pattern for each of these capitals. It would also seem logical to assume a local Ammonite/Moabite tradition or pattern used for all of these capitals. Only Amman capital A-2 seems to belong to a different type.
Further, taking the size of the nearly complete capitals, Md-1 (188cm x 92cm x 44cm) and Md-5 (186cm x 93 cm x 47cm), and comparing them with the projected size of the other capitals if they were complete ( Md-2 as measured and drawn by Negueruela was ca. 190cm x 98cm, and measures 45cm thick); Md-3 would be ca. 190cm x 90cm x 45cm; Md-4 is only a small fragment, but the portion preserved shares almost identical dimensions with Md-3--it would apparently also be ca. 190 cm x 90 cm x 46cm). The Amman Citadel capital A-1 would also be ca. 180-190cm x 80-90cm x 40cm. Only the `Ain Sara capital is significantly smaller; it would probably have been ca. 150-160cm x 80cm. By way of comparison, Shiloh's types A, C, D, and E average from 90 to 115cm long and 40 to 60cm tall. (Type B alone is longer ca 240cm, but only ca. 60 cm tall). So the Jordanian capitals in general are larger and more massive than the Israelite examples. Figure 1 gives a typological pattern for the Jordanian capitals, based primarily on Md-1, Md-2 and Md-5, the most complete of the capitals.
These five features together suggest a separate type of volute capital. Since one of Shiloh's types, type C, has only one example, and it a fragmentary one at that, this type has more examples, and more distinct features. Figure 1 is a stylized example of this additional Type F.
Further from the Mudaybi’ volute capitals, the original location and function is clear. At least the Mudaybi’ capitals sat on top of pier walls in the gateway. Ones entering the gateway would see as they walked through the gate complex to their left and right just above eye level these monumental capitals, a clear evidence of a central government authority out on the desert fringe.