Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations
Position:Graduate Student
Robert started following the work of Steven Fine, Yeshiva University, Jewish History.
Robert started following the work of 3 people.
Robert started following the work of Zachi Dvira (Zweig), Bar-Ilan University, Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology.
Blog
The First Written Evidence Confirming Jerusalem Temple Ritual Practices
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Breaking News
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israeli-archaeologists-uncover-fi
Israeli archaeologists have uncovered the first archeological find to confirm written testimony of the ritual practices at the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. An Israeli Antiquities Authority archaeological survey at the northwestern corner of the Temple Mount yielded a tiny tin (clay) artifact, the size of a button, inscribed with the Aramaic words: “Daka Le’Ya,” which the excavation directors on behalf of the IAA, archaeologists Eli Shukron and Professor Ronny Reich of the University of Haifa, explain means “pure for God.”
Researchers believe the artifact, dated to the first century, towards the end of the Second Temple period, is a seal similar to those described in the Mishnah. If they are correct, this is the first time physical evidence of the temple ritual was found to corroborate the written record.
The team believes the tiny seal was put on objects designated to be used in the temple, and thus had to be ceremonially pure.
_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._
Very interesting BUT the interpretation has to be different: The seal impression (the bullae) has two finger prints on the back and there is no evidence that it served to seal or to be attached to an artifact.
In the Mishna (Kedoshim, Tamid 3:3) is mentioned the “chamber of the seals” which was in the temple. There the seals were kept, whose impressions on bullae served as evidence of the payment for sacrifice.
The purchase of “seals” which are probably Bullae, is also mentioned in the Mishna: “Who wishes to get libations, goes to Yohanan who is over the seals, hands him over coins and receives a seal. He goes to Ahiya who is over the libations, hands him over a seal and receives libations. At evening they meet, and Ahiya presents the seal and exchanges them for coins”. (Moed, Shekalim 5:4).
Therefore the bulla discovered by Shukron and Reich is in fact a receipt, or the means of payment which was used to buy offerings.
05.01.2012
Another observation regarding the Temple Bulla. One can see a ridge on the right side of the impression which indicates that the seal used to impress the bulla was perforated. Usually the traces of the seal’s perforation are not found on bullae but on this sample it appears because on the right side the seal was deeply impressed and shifted to the left. This phenomenon can be understand if we will imagine the seals owner holding the seal in one hand and pressing it in the lump of clay which he holds with two fingers in his other hand.
In addition, I will suggest to excavators to clean the back of the bulla and take good photos in order to find the finger prints of the seals owner which must be there awaiting to be discovered.
http://zwingliusredivivus.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/robert-deutsch-a-fu
Robert Deutsch
"Rare Canaanite" Bronze Horned-Bracelet, Not Ancient !
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Israel Antiquities Authority Press Office announced:
http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/bracelet357915.shtml
An extraordinary and unique artifact discovered in an excavation fascinates archaeologists at the Israel Antiquities Authority: A Rare Bronze Horned-Bracelet, 3,500 Years Old. Hypothesis: It was used by the village ruler !
The first known village from this period in all of northern Israel was uncovered in an excavation that took place in the vicinity of Zefat. Funding was provided by the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Housing.
Karen Covello-Paran, director of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, discovered a wide rare bracelet made of bronze - adorned with a horned structure, which was the symbol of the storm god, and it represented power, fertility and law. (IAA Press Release).
The fact is the excavators found a modern 20th-century Bedouin bracelet and not a Canaanite bracelet. Ms. Covello-Paran stated that the site was cleaned, deserted, and nothing was found in the rooms. Please listen to her interview at: http://www.foundationstone.org/LandMinds10/page73/page73.html.
Consequently, this bracelet is the key to the dating of the building as recent. The house is on the surface and was visible before the excavation began.
Ramat Razim Bedouin House
In addition, in a small room (probably under the floor) the archaeologist also found a scarab seal, a bronze toggle pin, and some Canaanite shards of pottery. These finds indicate that the Bedouin house was constructed over a Canaanite burial without noticing it. The scarab, the toggle pin, and various pottery offerings are exactly what one would expect to find in a location of Canaanite burials. Therefore the bracelet dates the building and not the scarab and pottery. This means we can safely state that no new settlements have been discovered in Galilee but merely a single burial site.
It also points out the amateur level of the IAA field archaeologist in understanding the site and the finds. Moreover, the IAA Press Office released the news without checking the facts first with a professional or a team of experts. I am curious to see Ms. Covello-Paran's final excavation report. Recently I checked the IAA web site and was unable to find any news item related to the Canaanite bracelet. Perhaps they have reconsidered their claim following my criticism posted on several blogs.