Ein Zippori Stone Age Treasure

February 1, 2013

Milevski and Getzov said, “Pottery, bearing features characteristic of the Wadi Rabah culture, such as painted and incised decorations and red and black painted vessels, were exposed. Outstanding among the flint tools that were discovered are the sickle blades that were used to harvest grain, indicating the existence of an agricultural economy. We also found flint axes that were designed for working wood. The barter that transpired at the time is attested to by thin sharp blades made of obsidian, a volcanic stone that is not indigenous to the region and the closest source is in Turkey. These items constituted part of the network of trade that stretched over thousands of kilometers in such an ancient period.”

Among the special finds that were uncovered in the excavation is a group of small stone bowls that were made with amazing delicacy. One of them was discovered containing more than 200 black, white and red stone beads. The most important finds are stone seals or amulets bearing geometric motifs and stone plaques and bone objects decorated with incising. Among the stone plaques is one that bears a simple but very elegant carving depicting two running ostriches. These objects serve as a link that connects Ein Zippori with the cultures of these periods in Syria and Mesopotamia. 

Source: From an Israel Antiquities Authority press release