The okapi’s missing stripes

“I’m sure that thing had stripes when we saw it at the procession”, said apprentice sculptor, cocking his head to better examine animal before him. “What? Listen, just do your job and sculpt what you see, will you?”, replied impatient boss. “No one is paying look for stripes! If don’t get this commission done in time there’ll be hell pay! So chisel cracking!” Some 2500 years later, stone bas-relief our troubled craftsmen made still adorns eastern stairway of Apadana, once great audience hall Persepolis, ceremonial capital Achaemenid or ancient Persian Empire. The boasts 23 scenes depicting delegations bringing tributes from different parts empire. Stretching modern-day Iran Greece northeastern Africa, across central Asia northwestern India, was largest world known. particular work sculptors been tasked produce portrays scholars have regularly called “Kushite”, “Nubian”, “Ethiopian” delegation, on account distinctive coiffures its represented members, probably three boys (note their size lack beards) (Figure 1). last boy left leading an animal, identity which has intrigued many more people than scolded apprentice; indeed, become focus much debate. Once often held a giraffe, now strongly argue okapi (Okapia johnstoni) (for example, see S Lewis L Lloyd-Llewellyn’s Culture Animals Antiquity, A Sourcebook with Commentaries, 2018; Abingdon, UK: Routledge). And certainly, there resemblance (WebFigure 1a). But okapi? That rare, shy equatorial forests Africa? Captured by dwellers vast green realm somehow available faraway “Nubians”? then kept alive over thousands miles during arduous journey Persia, all BCE? It’s tall order, but if were would certainly make fantastic wonder gift, altogether fitting emperor whom tribute due. Persepolis. imageBROKER/Alamy Stock Photo okapi, however, not only candidate. Enter nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), large antelope northern India Pakistan (ie within boundaries Empire), comparable similar sloping back 1b). Promoters idea some biologically interesting points: clear mane, as does adult horns are top behind eyes – about where they nilgai, above (Iran 1980; 18: 156–57). supposed stripes? mean delegation somewhere other Maybe not. While discussion continues whether land “Kushites/Nubians/Ethiopians” ever part Empire, Herodotus (the 5th-century BCE Greek historian) writes that, although independent, paid kings every form 200 blocks ebony, five (of bas-relief), 12 elephant tusks (perhaps left-most shoulder?), two choenices gold middle carrying). No doubt cheapest way keeping imperialists arm’s length. Moreover, authority AS Shahbazi, who founded Institute Research 1973, fans, like authors article, point out items brought Persepolis visiting did necessarily come visitors’ home areas purchased en route. Might African never all, rather, picked up along way? debate rages on. Meanwhile, Persia: “I remember creature being grayish either”, apprentice, head. “Wasn’t maroonish? Hang minute, Look. There bit tatty stripe there, leg.” approached leaned forward remnant marking. On touching he found mat painted hairs, stuck together. Eyes wide open declared: “This no wondrous animal; it’s dolled-up paint! Oh gosh boss, thinking I’m thinking?” “What?”, snapped exasperated master. “That lost beast, replaced deceive Emperor Persia hope own king wouldn’t furious them delivering gift? You’ve got imagination, son! It leant against whitewash! Now, please, daft stories. Will see!” Adrian Burton Please note: publisher responsible content functionality any supporting information supplied authors. Any queries (other missing content) should directed corresponding author article.