296 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. (August, 1909. 
XI. 
THe Two Stone ALTARS AT THE NAQSH-I-RUSTAM. 
There are two stone altars at the Naqsh-i-Rustam, which 
are known to the Persians of the present day as the Sang-i- 
Dallaki, 7.e., the barber’s stones The history of the name 
their religious beliefs, the sacrifice of one daughter in a family 
of five was considered incumbent. A few days previous to the 
appointed day, the unfortunate girl, doomed to death by being 
born to the lot of having four elder sisters, was led round to 
the houses of all her friends and relations residing in the 
neighbourhood in order to be feasted and to bid them farewell. 
Three days previous to the final act, a large red flag was 
hoisted and drums beaten to notify the people of what was 
going to take place, and to warn them to collect to the 
spectacle. On the morning of the third day the girl was 
clothed in fresh clean apparel and adorned with jewels and 
ornaments. She then took farewell of the assemblage, whilst 
a 
brance by her father and mother. When the appointed time 
arrived the father had to take his daughter by the hand and 
lead her to the top of the pile of wood, which was piled before- 
hand on the sacrificial stones. He then descended and had to 
XII. 
Tue FourtH Bas-RELIEF at THE NaQsH-1-RustTaAmM.! 
took up a position to oppose the victorious pursuing enemy. 
After a fierce fight he was successful, and thereby won the 
King’s favour. In honour of his brave deed Jamshid directed 
that his image should be cut in the face of the rock at the 
Naqsh-i-Rustam as a lasting memorial. 
an 
1 Representing the triumph of Shapur over the Roman Emperor 
Valerian.—C, M. G. 
